Extinction Rebellion 'swarming' protests block traffic for the third day running as angry commuters slam them as 'pests'

There was a strong police presence at the protests in central London locations
Twitter/JulieDerekR
Eleanor Rose23 November 2018

Frustrated commuters blasted environmental activists after "swarming" protests by the climate change action group Extinction Rebellion stretched into a third straight day.

A small group of protestors once again blocked rush-hour traffic for seven minutes at West Cromwell Road, Tower Hill, Elephant and Castle and Victoria Street.

The activists, who have been turning out every day since Wednesday, wrote on their Twitter feed: "We sincerely apologise to anyone whose journey is affected by #ExtinctionRebellion #climateaction.

"We’re trying to prevent a far greater harm to all our children’s futures... Please switch off your engines while stationary."

The group said it has no choice but to hold the demonstrations to draw attention to Government inaction on pollution levels and climate change.

It tweeted links to data showing rising atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide in 2017.

Up to 6,000 people turned out last Saturday to support a previous Extinction Rebellion climate protest
EPA

Transport for London warned motorists of "short traffic holds" around the protest spots as the activists stand in the road.

Some commuters took the news well, with one writing: "I think we can live on with that."

However others were furious at the inconvenience, venting their anger on Twitter. "The police need to be more proactive with these pests," said one man.

Another wrote that the protestors were "numpties", asking: "So, holding & annoying up the general public as they go about their daily business is the way to bring change?"

Other views on social media were mixed. "I support #ExtinctionRebellion but wish they’d mix up the protest location," said one man.

"I live on the Walworth Road - it’s a transport black hole - the only way we can get out of Camberwell is by bus, which has been impossible two days on the trot."

Another person called it "well planned" with a strong police presence to "make sure everyone stays safe".

The blockades follow protests last Saturday that saw 82 people arrested when demonstrators shut Southwark, Blackfriars, Waterloo, Westminster and Lambeth bridges.

Most of them were detained for breaches of the Highways Act and all of those arrested have been released under investigation. Organisers said as many as 6,000 people joined the march.

This is the second round of the protests, with "non-violent" actions set to culminate on Saturday with a "Rebellion 2" demonstration.

Activists protest Government inaction on climate change last Saturday
EPA

The campaign group warns that the planet is facing an "ecological emergency" and wants government action to reduce carbon emissions.

A Met Police spokesman said the force is aware of the protests and has a "proportionate policing plan" in place.

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