The High Court has imposed a new ban on illegal protests blocking the M25, England’s busiest motorway. National Highways has obtained a fresh injunction aimed at preventing environmental activists from causing disruption on the vital ring road around Greater London.
The updated court order states that anyone trespassing on the M25 and attaching themselves to objects or structures, or assisting others to do so, faces severe penalties. These include potential imprisonment, unlimited fines, and the possibility of losing assets.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper commented on the decision, saying, “Protesting by blocking busy highways or climbing overhead structures is exceedingly dangerous and disruptive. That’s why I ordered National Highways to seek this new injunction, which the courts have now granted.” He added, “It will be easier to take action against this reckless minority of protesters. If they break the injunction, they risk prison or an infinite fine.”
Duncan Smith, National Highways’ operations chief, highlighted the risks protests pose to drivers and the transport network. “Millions rely on these roads every day and expect them to operate properly,” Smith said. “We already have an injunction covering hundreds of miles, but this extra court order makes prosecuting offenders on the M25 even easier.”
“Protesting on busy routes like the M25 is life-threatening for everyone involved. National Highways is committed to stamping out illegal protests and ensuring violators face the full force of the law,” he added.
This new injunction builds on an existing order protecting hundreds of miles of the strategic road network, including key routes in Kent and around the Port of Dover. The earlier injunction, effective until May 2023, has targeted groups such as Insulate Britain.
With this latest legal measure, authorities aim to end the disruption caused by a “reckless minority” of protesters who risk lives and traffic flow on the nation’s busiest roads.
Originally published by UKNIP.
