High Court Slaps New Ban on M25 Protest Chaos
The High Court has slammed the brakes on illegal protests blocking England’s busiest motorway, the M25. National Highways has secured a fresh injunction to stop environmental activists from causing mayhem on the vital ring road around Greater London.
Harsh Penalties for Protesters on the M25
The new court order means anyone who trespasses on the M25 and attaches themselves to objects or structures – or helps someone do it – faces serious consequences. They could land in jail, be hit with unlimited fines, and even lose their assets.
“Protesting by blocking busy highways or climbing overhead structures is exceedingly dangerous and disruptive,” said Transport Secretary Mark Harper. “That’s why I ordered National Highways to seek this new injunction, which the courts have now granted.”
“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.”
Protecting Millions of Road Users
Duncan Smith, National Highways’ operations chief, warned protests threaten the safety of drivers and the smooth running of Britain’s 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.”
Ongoing Legal Battle Against Disruptive Demonstrations
The new injunction adds to an existing order that protects hundreds of miles of the strategic road network, including key routes in Kent and around the Port of Dover. That earlier order runs until May 2023 and has already targeted groups like Insulate Britain.
With this latest legal weapon, authorities aim to end the chaos caused by a “reckless minority” of protesters risking lives and traffic flows on the nation’s busiest roads.
