Government begins legal action against Insulate Britain eco-maniacs after warnings of up to SEVEN years in jail
THE Government says it is "knocking on doors" and "serving papers" to eco-activists who caused traffic misery for weary Brits.
Activists from Insulate Britain could face unlimited fines or even prison in High Court proceedings.
The Extinction Rebellion splinter-group has been halting traffic on both the busy M25 skirting London and the A20 in Kent.
An injunction granted by the High Court gave new powers to tackle repeat offenders blocking the nation's roads.
A Government spokesman said last night: “Peaceful protest is a fundamental right of our democracy, but we cannot allow this reckless and dangerous behaviour to continue on our roads.
“We are already knocking on doors and serving papers to offenders who will be sent to court and could face fines or prison.
“ continue making arrests and are working closely with National Highways to shut down these illegal demonstrations and keep the public safe.”
The action comes after Insulate Britain targeted the same junction of the motorway in Swanley, Kent, twice in six hours on Wednesday.
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Eleven people were arrested on suspicion of obstructing the highway and conspiracy to commit criminal damage as the blockade was ended.
Matthew Scott, police and crime commissioner for Kent, said: “We need to see people locked up for this.
"They are going to keep coming back unless they are physically prevented from doing so.”
The Telegraph reported that cops are "scrambling" to keep the activists locked up, with officers delving into possible charges to lay against them.
These could include hitting them with public nuisance charges - or conspiracy to endanger motorists.
According to the Road Traffic Act, it's illegal to “cause anything to be on or over a road… in such circumstances” that it would be “dangerous”.
Flouting the law carries a maximum penalty of seven years in jail.
Meanwhile, government officials are looking at bringing in a nationwide injunction.
But there are fears such a move could backfire as it could be regarded as a “disproportionate” reaction.
“We would be prepared to look at it, but they have to be strategies that work,” said a source.
Despite these behind-the-scenes efforts, the annoying eco-morons are promising drivers to expect even more misery.
Their campaign, which is now in its third week, has already seen well over 300 arrests.
We need to see people locked up for this.
Matthew Scott
The Met Police has so far arrested 53 people following a demonstration near Junction 14 of the M25, near Heathrow, on Monday morning, in defiance of an injunction which could see them thrown in jail.
But in an open letter to Home Secretary Priti Patel, the barmy eco group said it was not backing down.
Its members added: "We are more fearful of the loss of our country than we are of you.
"You can throw as many injunctions at us as you like, but we are going nowhere.
"You can raid our savings... confiscate our property... deny us our liberty and put us behind bars.
"But shooting the messenger can never destroy the message: that this country is going to hell unless you take emergency action to stop putting carbon into the air."
All of those arrested were released from custody on Monday night.
'CHANGE SOCIETY'
The said that it was the highways agency's responsibility to pursue them for contempt of court.
This particular charge could result in a jail sentence of up to two years and/or an unlimited fine - if found guilty.
But retired Bristol GP, Dr Diana Warner, 62, who is a member of the group, said after blocking a motorway: "I'm really sorry, but I'm determined to do everything I can to make us safe and change society… we have to try."
A National Police Chiefs’ Council spokesman said: “Hundreds of arrests have already been made by police in areas that have been affected.
"Officers will continue to act swiftly to stop protesters from causing major disruption to UK motorways and risking their safety and the safety of others."
Monday's protest near Heathrow saw some demonstrators glue themselves to each other, to barriers and the carriageway, and they sprayed blue paint on the road.
'YOU'RE RIDICULOUS'
After being placed under caution at the scene, Insulate Britain spokesman Liam Norton said the group's demands were "simple" and a "no-brainer".
The High Court has recently granted an injunction in favour of National Highways, making some protest activities a contempt of court carrying fines, prison sentences and asset seizures.
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One angry motorist stuck in traffic on Monday told campaigners: "I've got to feed my kids now, I need my money now, to feed my kids now, but you don't get that.
"You're ridiculous, go somewhere else and stop stopping people going to work."
