Protesters say they plan to block the M4 and M48 bridges over the Severn in a campaign to draw attention to “ridiculous” fuel prices and the impact that rising costs have on people’s lives. A spokesman for the National Highways – a former motorway in England – confirmed that the government agency was aware of the plans and would “work hard to limit the effects of the July 4 protests” on the bridges. Social media posts urging people to protest have been shared more than 1,000 times.
The protest is believed to have been organized by a 21,000-member Facebook Fuel Price Stand Against Tax group that is organizing similar protests across the UK. Fuel prices have risen so high in recent days that a typical family car now costs £ 100 to refuel at a time when food bills and prices are also skyrocketing. Go here to read the truths and myths about how to make the fuel in your car farther.
A protester who said she would attend the bridges said something controversial had to happen to draw attention to the problem. The plans are a source of debate in Facebook’s community groups, with many accusing organizers and those wishing to attend of being irresponsible and dangerous.
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One commenter said: “I work for a local transport company. We use approximately 30,000 liters of diesel every two weeks, so I fully understand the price of fuel at the moment. However, actions like this may highlight the problem for the government, but it will not affect them in the least.
“This will affect the supply chain, which affects local businesses and local people, as deliveries to shops will not take place and people will not be able to get to work. If you want to emphasize, why not bring Westminster to a standstill?
One campaign participant replied: “For a second I thought you would say you would support the action with your fleet. The point of this action is to show the government that we are not the little people who will sit and do nothing.
“Something so big will be heard. That will make the news. I don’t like sitting around and letting the government think it can get away with it. “
John Ingram, National Highways Sustainability Network Planner, said: “We respect the right of people to protest. However, protesting on the strategic road network is extremely dangerous not only for the protesters, but also for the people who use the roads.
A spokesman for the body added: “Together with the police and other partners, we will work hard to limit the effects of the Northern Bridges protests. We will do our best to keep people up to date with the latest traffic information and keep drivers moving. “
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