Government takes out further injunction against M25 protestors

The government has taken out a fresh injunction to target protesters who cause disruption on any of the highways on the Strategic Road Network linked to the M25 in the south east.

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 Grant Shapps said: ”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 disruption caused by demonstrators from Insulate Britain. 

The government has said the injunctions are a short-term solution to tackling the protests, and say they have committed to legislating to prevent these kinds of guerrilla tactics in the long-term through the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.