Protesters block M25 for the third time this week
Protesters have blocked the M25 for the third time this week, with police responding to more incidents Friday morning.
The climate protesters have been moved on and the affected roads have now reopened.
Footage showed police officers have taken a tougher stance and quickly made arrests.
Insulate Britain said 79 “newly released campaigners” tried to block the London orbital motorway hours after leaving custody for similar protests on Wednesday.
Essex Police confirmed 24 people were arrested, with officers able to “intervene and resolve the situation quickly, meaning the road was blocked for only several minutes” but congestion then lasted for 45 minutes.
Superintendent Sam Smith said: “Incidents of this nature have the potential to cause significant disruption to road users, who may need to get to work, an appointment, or catch a flight.
“Our officers worked quickly to remove attempted protests this morning and made 24 arrests in a matter of minutes.
“The roads have now reopened and traffic is moving freely.
“I want to thank the drivers affected for their patience and understanding.”
Climate protesters also poured blue paint onto the road in an attempt to disrupt traffic further.
Surrey police reported this morning, both junction 1 of the M3 and junction 9 of the M25 had been cleared.
We were made aware of protesters at junction 9 of the M25 earlier this morning. 14 people have been arrested. We were also made aware shortly after 9am of protesters at junction 1 of the M3. We are on the scene and arrests are being made. Further updates to follow. pic.twitter.com/Nn67ulQNBU
— Surrey Police (@SurreyPolice) September 17, 2021
The force said 14 people were arrested on the M25.
Kent Police said 10 people were arrested where the B1273, in Swanley, and junction 3 of the M25 meet, but added “the road is now clear and traffic is moving”.
One protester, named only as Harry, a solar engineer from Cornwall said: “Although I actively chose a career in the renewable energy sector, I feel like I need to do more to prepare this country for the oncoming effects of climate change. I don’t believe the government is doing enough. I’m taking part in this action because I want the government to move faster on reducing CO2 emissions.”
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said in a tweet: “This is dangerous and counterproductive. We all agree that climate change must be tackled, but this sort of behaviour achieves nothing, puts drivers at risk and INCREASES pollution.
M25 protest: 36 arrested after climate protesters block M25 AGAIN
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