The High Court has rejected fresh injunction challenges aimed at stopping illegal protests on England’s busiest motorway, the M25. National Highways secured the new order to address ongoing disruptions caused by environmental activists blocking this vital route.
Under the new court ruling, anyone who attaches themselves to the road or any structures on the M25, or assists others in doing so, faces serious legal consequences. Offenders could be held in contempt of court, risking jail sentences, unlimited fines, and seizure of assets.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper commented, “Protesting by blocking busy highways or climbing overhead structures is exceedingly dangerous and disruptive. That’s why I directed National Highways to seek this additional injunction, which the judges granted.”
Harper described the protesters as a “reckless minority” whose actions jeopardise safety and cause chaos for millions who rely on the M25 daily. Duncan Smith, National Highways’ operations director, added, “We already have an injunction covering hundreds of miles. This new order makes it easier to prosecute those irresponsible enough to block the M25. Protesting on busy roads is incredibly dangerous for everyone.”
This latest injunction builds on an earlier order targeting demonstrators, including the well-known Insulate Britain group. That injunction covered the M25, feeder roads, and key routes in Kent and around the Port of Dover until May 2023.
National Highways has pledged to continue fighting unlawful protests and penalise those who break the law to ensure Britain’s busiest road remains open and traffic flows smoothly.
Originally published by UKNIP.
