WHATEVER you think about the rights and wrongs of protesters trying to change Government policy from the solidarity of the blockade, the fuel crisis has hardly covered Britain and the British in glory.

In truth, we've seen the best in the national character on display - but we've also seen the worst.

It really isn't by chance that the time-worn phrase 'spirit of the Blitz' hasn't been trotted out yet. The scenes at filling stations around the two counties explain why.

The first motorists following the principle of 'every man for himself' effectively set the tone for what's happened since.

So, instead of fuel being sold at a reasonable pace, and lasting another 48 hours - as most stations might have expected - it went in a flash. Likewise the bread and milk shelves of our shops.

While fridges bulge, cupboards creak and bread goes stale across the Faithful City and beyond, then, we're left applauding those who didn't succumb to the head-long forecourt rush, and those who showed self-restraint in the provocative face of shoppers piling their trolleys high.

Such instincts are going to be in demand from everyone in the coming days as we wait patiently for Prime Minister Tony Blair's 'wheels-in-motion' pledge to take effect.

While we're completing the continuing test of character, it would be useful to reflect on the lessons which have been there for all of us to learn.

There's no reason why the walk to school shouldn't go on.

There's no reason why the cycle to work shouldn't become a part of the daily routine.

There's no reason why the relatively frivolous or superfluous journeys which we've all cut from our lives should return.

There's no reason why some of the sacrifices we've made in the interests of life going on shouldn't become the start of new habits.