The government is in talks with the oil industry to ensure the security of fuel supplies after a safety problem affecting about 12% of the British tanker fleet was discovered.

About 230 fuel tankers do not meet the standards required to transport dangerous goods by road and will need to be replaced or modified, the government has admitted.

In a statement to Parliament on October 24, transport minister Robert Goodwill said the Department for Transport was working with the Health and Safety Executive, Department for Energy and Climate Change and industry to resolve an issue affecting a particular model of fuel tanker.

He said: "The department has an ongoing dialogue with industry to discuss proposals to replace or modify the tankers according to a schedule that ensures security of fuel supply while maintaining safety.

"Around 230 of the tankers are in operation in Great Britain and account for around 12% of the vehicles delivering road fuel. We are not complacent about the risks and it is important this remedial work is carried out as soon as is practical."