Another injunction has been granted against Insulate Britain protesters, the transport secretary has said, covering the “entire strategic road network”.
“We are making use of every avenue of existing law to try to prevent the continued life-endangering action being carried out by Insulate Britain, which is causing intolerable disruption to motorists’ lives and livelihoods,” Grant Shapps said.
“This new interim injunction will ban activities that obstruct motorways and major A roads across the entire country.”
The Department for Transport said the injunction outlaws “activities that obstruct traffic and prevent access to 4,300 miles of motorways and major A roads”, as well as banning “activities which cause damage to the road surface and infrastructure”, such as protesters gluing themselves to roads.
Anyone who breaches the injunction faces the prospect of time in prison and/or an unlimited fine, as well as the prospect of having to pay court costs.
Mr Shapps made the announcement after the group renewed its demonstrations after a 10-day pause.
The Metropolitan Police said 53 people were arrested following the protests at three locations across London, the 14th time Insulate Britain has caused disruption on motorways and A roads as part of its campaign.
In a statement, Insulate Britain said 61 people blocked three locations across the capital including Upper Thames Street, Bishopsgate and Limehouse Causeway in Canary Wharf – all main routes in and around the city.
Motorists were handed a notice from the protesters which read: “Dear driver, we are peaceful and non-violent. We are sorry to delay your journey.
“For your safety please stay in your vehicle and do not drive on the hard shoulder. This is for emergency vehicles.
“The police are on their way. They will arrest us and you will be able to continue your journey.”
Members of the public heckled protesters blocking the roads.
Demonstrators superglued their hands to the ground on Monday, before being removed from the road by the police, arrested and led to police vehicles.
All of the protesters had been removed by midday, having taken to the streets at around 8am.
The group is an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion and wants the government to insulate all UK homes by 2030 to cut carbon emissions.
It blocked roads on 14 days over the five weeks to 14 October, with activists often gluing their hands to the carriageway to increase the length of time it takes for police to remove them.
Hundreds of arrests were made, with some people detained several times.
The campaign has continued despite injunctions leaving protesters facing court summons and possible imprisonment or an unlimited fine.