Low turnout for British fuel duty protests

LONDON, Dec 15 (Reuters) - British hauliers, farmers and motorists threatened more action next year over record petrol and diesel prices after a planned day of protests on Saturday largely fizzled due to a low turnout.

Britain's ruling Labour Party has faced several protests against high fuel taxes, but none has matched the 2000 blockades that caused widespread fuel shortages, paralysed large swathes of the country and nearly brought the government to its knees.

Only handfuls of campaigners turned out on Saturday and planned protests at some refineries were abandoned. Britain's main Road Haulage Association had distanced itself from the protests, saying direct action was counter-productive.

Despite the low attendance, organisers said they were not disappointed and the demonstrations should still be viewed as a warning to Prime Minister Gordon Brown's government.

"It's just a warm-up to say: 'Look government, look at the job, look at this, do something about it'," said Tom Houghton, a protest organiser.

Diesel and petrol prices are at record levels, with gasoline at the pump selling at an average of 1.03 pounds ($2.10) a litre and diesel at 1.08 pounds. Almost two-thirds of the cost is made up of tax, which is set to rise in April. (Reporting by Jennifer Hill; Editing by Stephen Weeks)