AN injunction which prevents protesters from blocking roads and vehicles at key fuel terminals and filling stations in Thurrock has been extended until 2029.

It names 26 protesters, who have previously been involved in disruptive protests in the borough.

Under the terms of the injunction, the named protesters are prevented from blocking roads, stopping vehicles and gluing themselves to the road or vehicles.

The injunction aims to prevent unnecessary disruption for local businesses and residents trying to access their premises, homes, petrol stations and travel near these sites. 

The first interim injunction was granted in April 2022 following weeks of protests at oil terminals in the borough which saw 461 arrests made and cost Essex Police, Thurrock Council and other partners more than £1 million.

The named defendant injunction order was then finalised in October 2024 and to last for five years, but required an annual review and application for renewal. At this week's hearing the judge ruled that the injunction will remain in place until October 2029 without the need to reapply every 12 months.

Cllr Lynda Heath, cabinet member for public protection, constitutional and civic affairs, said: "I am pleased that the judge has extended the injunction without the need for us to reapply every 12 months. Protests brought chaos to the borough's roads and caused considerable disruption for residents and local businesses.

"Protesters even prevented refuse and recycling collections from taking place by blocking access to our waste depot.

"This does not prevent lawful protests from taking place in the borough, we support everyone's right to peaceful protest. It does, however, prevent those named in the injunction from blocking and damaging roads.

"By taking out this injunction we not only remove these known protesters' ability to disrupt life in the borough, it also prevents them from causing damages to our roads, which is something Thurrock council taxpayers end up footing the bill for."

More information about the injunction can be found at Thurrock.gov.uk/protest-injunction