The new injunction bans activities that
obstruct traffic and access to motorways and major A Roads in
and around London. It also bans activities which cause damage
to the road surface and infrastructure and prohibits activists
from gluing themselves to the road or abandoning their
vehicles.
Anyone who breaks this injunction faces imprisonment or an
unlimited fine. Activists found in contempt of court may also
be forced to repay the costs of their case.
Furthermore the police will now be able to release information
on the activists, as well as evidence, to National Highways so
that the injunctions can be enforced. This will speed up the
enforcement process and ensure that those who disobey the
authority of the courts face the consequences.
A number of activists have already been served with court
papers and may face a court hearing and imprisonment or a fine
for contempt of court if they are found to be in breach of the
injunctions going forward.
Transport Secretary said:
“We will continue to do all we can to prevent this
self-defeating, disruptive and incredibly dangerous
behaviour being carried out by Insulate Britain. They are
putting lives in danger and damaging their own cause.
“Today, we’re ensuring every major road and motorway linked to
the M25 is covered by this injunction to help prevent further
disruption.
“Activists are being tracked down and served court papers and
will now face justice. We will take the strongest action
against anyone else who decides to take part in this ridiculous
and irresponsible action.”
National Highways Regional Director Nicola Bell
said:
"This new injunction covering the Strategic Road Network in and
around London is another step forward in helping to keep these
reckless and dangerous protests away from our network and
endangering peoples' lives.
"We continue to serve court papers on those who have breached
the previous injunctions, and repeat offenders will soon be
receiving a court summons. People who breach the injunctions
face imprisonment or an unlimited fine."
National Highways has already taken out two injunctions to
prevent action along the M25, as well as major roads around the
Port of Dover, following the dangerous disruption caused by
demonstrators from Insulate Britain.
These injunctions are a short-term solution to tackle the
highly disruptive protests we have seen over the last few
weeks, and the Government has committed to legislating to
prevent these kinds of guerrilla tactics in the long-term
through the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.
