Transport for London seeking urgent injunction against Just Stop Oil protests

A TfL spokesperson said that it is working to keep London's road network functioning amid a slew of Just Stop Oil protests which have blocked roads across the capital.

Just Stop Oil is currently conducting a month-long campaign of disruption to demand the government halts all new oil and gas licences and consents.

A number of protestors have blocked roads by glueing themselves to the tarmac, while others have been known to lock themselves together to block roads.

On Sunday (16 October), the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Nadhim Zahawi, said he had chaired a meeting with Home Secretary Suella Braverman, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, and policing and transport partners "to take urgent action". 

A day later (17 October), a set of protestors climbed the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge in Dartford, forcing police to close the bridge.

Protests have also included spray painting the New Scotland Yard sign and throwing soup over Van Gogh's Sunflowers.

When asked about plans to seek an injunction, a TfL spokesperson said: "We are doing all we can to ensure that London's road network continues to operate safely and efficiently. We are working on a number of different ways to tackle any ongoing disruption along with our partners across the city."

The spokesperson added that TfL is preparing an urgent application for injunctive relief against Just Stop Oil.

In a statement, the group said they would "not be stopped by injunctions sought to silence non-violent people".

Adam Carey