Long lines at gas pumps cause tempers to flare

UNDATED - The shortage of gasoline in north Georgia has caused some tempers to flare.

Hall County Sheriff's Col. Jeff Strickland confirmed Monday that over the weekend patrolmen responded to about 12 calls at various locations because of reported disputes in the gas pump lines.

"Most of those were people who had broken in line," Strickland said. "We were able to mediate all those and no one was arrested."

Strickland said sheriff's deputies have also responded to calls of traffic hazards where people have backed into major roadways while they wait for their turn to fill up.

"We urge anyone that finds themselves in that situation to try their best to get inside the parking lot of the gas station and not leave their vehicles out in the road," he said. "Because that is a traffic hazard and you could become involved in an accident."

Strickland urged drivers to use "courtesy and patience" while waiting in line to get gas.

Elsewhere in north Georgia, Gwinnett County Police Cpl. Illana Spellman said they have not received any calls about fights or traffic problems due to gas lines.

"We have not had any fight calls, traffic accidents or traffic problems due to gas lines. There have been two calls where people complained about traffic in a parking lot at a Kroger gas station a few days ago. Other that, nothing."

In Forsyth County, Sheriff's Capt. Frank Huggins said they have had traffic backups at stations that had gas, but not to the point where roads have been closed or where the normal flow of traffic has been seriously affected.

"These backups are generally temporary and last until the gas supply is depleted," Huggins said in an e-mail to accessnorthga.com.

"We've had a couple of calls of disputes at pump lines where someone would accuse someone else of attempting to break into line, but nothing serious. For the most part, our motorists have been very well behaved and have been willing to wait their turn to get gas."