Two climbers who ascended the bridge’s pylons around 5 a.m. on Monday have promised to remain there until they are forcibly removed.
The Just Stop Oil protestors have stated that they would remain on top of the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge until they are removed, which will likely cause further travel disruptions this morning.
The key traffic bridge connecting Essex and Kent was blocked after two climbers from the organization scaled the bridge’s poles. Among the group’s requests was that the government “stop issuing all new oil and gas licenses and consents.”
Monday’s rush hour was delayed by two hours due to the shutdown of the M25 Dartford Crossing, with six miles of congestion on the anti-clockwise lane and five miles in the opposite direction, according to National Highways.
Similar disruptions are anticipated today, as the group has stated that the protesters will remain atop the bridge’s pylons for as long as possible.
Tuesday morning at approximately 7 a.m., National Highways South East tweeted that there was already six miles of congestion on the approach in both directions and recommended motorists to “explore other routes.”
A representative for Just Stop Oil told the PA news agency, “They will not descend in the dark, and the bridge remains closed.”
“Therefore, they will have closed the M25 for at least 24 hours.
“At this time, it is my understanding that they will remain in place until they are pulled down.
“I don’t know how they’ll be taken down, and I’m not sure the cops do either at this time,” she said.
The representative noted that the group is planning other actions in London during the month of October.
On Monday, soon before 3:50 a.m., police were notified that two individuals had climbed onto the bridge at the Dartford Crossing.
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow stated that “keeping people safe and keeping Essex moving” were his top objectives.
A spokeswoman for the Essex Police stated that it was a “difficult operation” due to the height to which the demonstrators had climbed.
Morgan Trowland, age 39, is one of the bridge protesters.
He stated in a statement issued by Just Stop Oil: “Each time I renew my registration as a professional civil engineer, I pledge to adhere to our code of ethics, which mandates me to protect human life and welfare, as well as the environment.
“Our government has enacted suicidal legislation to increase oil production, destroying human lives and the environment.
“I can’t combat this insanity from my desk job building bridges, so I’m taking direct action by occupying the QEII bridge until the government halts the production of additional oil.”
Another demonstrator, named Marcus, a 33-year-old teacher from London, stated, “Only direct action will now help us achieve the urgently required societal tipping point.
On Sunday, protesters from Just Stop Oil painted an Aston Martin shop with orange paint, and a few days previously, they spilled tomato soup on Van Gogh’s Sunflowers.
