Police want to know how motorists were affected by M25 gantry protest as they build case against campaigners

By Neil Speight 3rd Aug 2022

JustStopOil released this image of one of its members on a gantry over the M25 on the approach to the QEII bridge.
JustStopOil released this image of one of its members on a gantry over the M25 on the approach to the QEII bridge.

POLICE are calling on people adversely impacted by protest action on the M25 last month to come forward.

The force is building its case against members of the JustStopOil campaign who mounted gantries over the motorway on the approach and exit to the Dartford crossing, on Wednesday, 20 July.

A police statement says: "Our investigations into disruption on the M25 motorway are progressing and we remain in consistent dialogue with the Crown Prosecution Service on the issue.

"Officers responded to an incident on the M25 motorway on Wednesday, 20 July when a protestor claiming to be representing Just Stop Oil gained access to an overhead gantry near Junction 30 (Thurrock) which resulted in the motorway having to be closed and a specialist working at heights team having to be brought to the scene to get the protestor down safely.

"Their actions meant disruption was kept to an absolute minimum for motorists in Essex. 

"The arrest has led to an investigation and, like other forces affected, we are continuing to work with the Crown Prosecution Service.

"Our investigations are progressing and we are now asking for anyone who was inconvenienced during these incidents to please come forward and do so.

"This would include people who could not attend medical appointments, could not attend planned work or who missed anything significant through the disruption.

"This does not include motorists who were simply caught in the congestion caused by the disruption.

"Detective Sergeant Harriet Ware, who is leading the Essex Police investigation, said: "We are aware this incident caused a significant amount of disruption to motorists and many people have been significantly inconvenienced by them.

"Our complex investigations are progressing and we would now like to hear from anyone who has not yet spoken to us but believes they have been inconvenienced by the disruption.

"I know a substantial number of people will have been simply delayed by the disruption but specifically I would like to hear from anyone who could not attend medical appointments, could not attend planned work and therefore missed out on payment, missed, or were severely delayed, attending any significant life events.

"Coming forward will help us progress our investigations and help ensure we can keep the county's roads moving freely in future."

Anyone who was significantly inconvenienced on 20 July is asked to email [email protected]

Also see: Woman held in jail after protest.

     

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