London  - Hundreds of British truckers were travelling in a convoy to protests against soaring diesel prices in central London Tuesday.

Hauliers say diesel prices topping 120 pence a litre (2.37 US dollars), plus a planned 2 pence fuel tax rise, will put firms out of business, the BBC reported.

"I have to pay out 1,000 pounds a week to keep my lorry running," one protester told the BBC. "Who should have to pay these diesel prices?"

Protesters, who were travelling from Wales as well as England, were demanding an "essential user" duty rebate for lorry drivers, according to the reports.

The protest comes as Chancellor Alistair Darling prepared to meet Labour Members of Parliament concerned about plans to increase road tax on older, more polluting vehicles.

Forty-two MPs have signed a motion asking the government to reconsider.

Motorists have been warned to expect major delays. (dpa)