Insulate Britain protesters have blocked a road near to Dartford Crossing this morning - as drivers angrily drag them away from the roads.
The group of around 20 protesters stopped vehicles at a junction near to one of the overpass' for the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge.
The blockage at junctions near to St Clements Way and London Road, in Thurrock, forced multiple vehicles including HGVs to stop and turn round.
Vehicles blasted their horns and members of the public got out of their cars to confront protesters, who lay down in the roads in front of them.
Some were physically dragged out of the road but immediately returned, only to be dragged away again by the frustrated drivers.
Drivers cheer as the police finally arrive to drag away and arrest eco-protesters Insulate Britain.
— LBC (@LBC) October 13, 2021
Read more: https://t.co/3n0fKpdmcZ pic.twitter.com/odQUZFzb6i
Responding to the incident, Essex Police said: “We are currently on scene and have made arrests following reports of people blocking the slip road of the M25 in Thurrock.
“We received reports of people on the road at Junction 31 shortly after 8.25am today.
“Officers were at the scene within five minutes and are currently working to resolve the situation quickly and safely. Arrests have been made.
“We know this will be frustrating for people caught up in traffic but we appreciate your patience and understanding.”
Insulate Britain, an offshoot of environmental campaign group Extinction Rebellion, has now staged similar protests 13 times.
The group has blocked parts of major roads around London, including the M25 and M4, to draw attention to climate change.
"What they're aiming to do is to stop the tankers getting to petrol stations"
— LBC (@LBC) October 13, 2021
A tanker driver has warned that fuel shortages could get worse after Insulate Britain blocked roads near the Dartford Crossing.
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Transport for London (TfL) was previously granted High Court injunctions against the group to prevent them further obstructing traffic – which apply to 14 locations around the capital.
The injunctions were extended to the end of next month on Tuesday, prompting members of the group to burn the court orders outside the Royal Courts of Justice in central London.
Despite the arrests and frustrated responses of commuters the group said other members of the public have praised its actions.
Dr Diana Warner, an Insulate Britain supporter, said: “Many people are going out of their way to thank us. Some come out of their cars to thank us, some are police officers involved with our arrests.
“To them, we bring hope – we haven’t yet given up. We are still pushing for life-saving changes.”
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