Just Stop Oil M25 protests gridlock Hertfordshire again

Protesters climbed onto motorway gantries at three junctions in south west Hertfordshire bringing the road network to a standstill.

Follow LIVE M25 protest updates HERE

Hertfordshire Constabulary said it was dealing with protests during rush hour at junctions 20 (Kings Langley), 21/21A (M1/Bricket Wood), and 22 (London Colney).

While some lanes have been able to reopen, parts of the M25 remain shut as specialist ‘protest removal officers’ from the police attempt to bring down protesters safely.

We are responding to reports of protest activity at junction 20 (Kings Langley) of the #M25. Officers are at the scene.

Please avoid the area and seek an alternate route where possible. We’ll update you as soon as possible. pic.twitter.com/ZuTgN69KKH

— Herts Police (@HertsPolice) November 8, 2022

We are now dealing with incidents at junction 21a (Bricket Wood) and junction 22 (London Colney), with protestors secured to gantries. Some lanes have been closed in order to allow officers to assess the situation, and we are working to get these lifted as soon as possible.#M25 pic.twitter.com/5fBriZKqs4

— Herts Police (@HertsPolice) November 8, 2022

According to National Highways, as of 9.45am, all lanes are closed both ways at junction 21 for the M1, as well as anticlockwise towards junction 20.

Numerous other junctions around the UK’s busiest motorway have also been disrupted.

A map showing traffic disruption (at 10am). It was much worse during rush hour (Image: Google Maps)

As a result of the M25 chaos, roads across the Watford and St Albans area have been heavily affected – and continue to be as the morning goes on.

The worst hit areas are Bricket Wood, Chiswell Green, Abbots Langley, Bedmond, Kings Langley, North Watford, London Colney, south of St Albans, and Hemel Hempstead.

In particular, the A405 both ways between Leavesden and Park Street has been queuing in sections, along with the A414 between Hemel Hempstead and St Albans, and the A41 towards Watford from Hemel.

A Just Stop Oil activist on an M25 gantry (Image: Just Stop Oil)

Police have yet to provide an update on how many protesters have been arrested following today’s action.

Yesterday, seven arrests were made with Superintendent Sue Jameson describing the protesters’ actions as “unacceptable”.

She added: “We understand the frustration and would like to reassure the public that we have robust plans in place and are doing all that we can to minimise the disruption and allow us to make arrests as quickly as we possibly can.”

Read more: Police warning after M25 Just Stop Oil protestors arrested in Herts

Police believe some of those involved in the demonstrations could have breached a High Court injunction obtained by National Highways for the M25.

🛣 BREAKING: M25 BLOCKED FOR SECOND DAY 🛣

🚗 Approx 15 supporters of Just Stop Oil have climbed onto the overhead gantries of the #M25 at multiple locations — causing police to stop traffic — demanding that the Government halts all new oil and gas consents licences.#COP27 pic.twitter.com/6pa4XPt5DK

— Just Stop Oil (@JustStop_Oil) November 8, 2022

According to Just Stop Oil, since its campaign began on April 1, its supporters have been arrested nearly 2,000 times, and five are currently in prison.

The environmental activist group wants an end to the use of oil and other fossil fuels.

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