Climate protesters block traffic in central Wellington
Finlay Dunseath/Stuff Climate protesters from Restore Passenger Rail block Adelaide Rd in central Wellington on Thursday.
Climate protesters from the Restore Passenger Rail group have once again blocked a key Wellington road.
Four protesters initially blocked two northbound lanes of traffic on Adelaide Rd by the Basin Reserve but now only one protester remains on the road.
At least 17 police officers are on scene as the last remaining protester lies on the road.
Traffic has backed up down Adelaide Rd and many cars are turning around. Police have asked motorists to avoid the area and take alternative routes.
Police are using acetone to remove glue sticking the protesters hands to the road.
Earlier this week, four protesters were charged with endangering transport after blocking the southbound lanes of the Terrace Tunnel on State Highway 1 at 8am Monday.
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Last remaining protester is being removed from Adelaide Rd.
Following the incident, Wellington District Commander superintendent Corrie Parnell said any protestors impeding traffic would be charged with endangering transport – an offence which carried a maximum sentence of 14 years’ imprisonment.
Restore Passenger Rail spokesperson Rosemary Penwarden said the increased penalty of being charged with public endangerment would not discourage the group from taking further action.
In October 2022, six Restore Passenger Rail protesters who invaded the motorway access to The Terrace Tunnel were charged with wilful trespass[4] when they blocked the road.
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Restore Rail protesters blocking Adelaide Rd on Thursday
One of the group’s several protests in October closed the State Highway 1 motorway near Johnsonville as protesters hung from a gantry and hung a banner saying, “Michael Wood we need to talk[5]“.
The protest group met with Transport Minister Michael Wood[6] in December, but the group’s spokesperson Rosemary Penwarden described the meeting as “unproductive”.
Transport Minister Michael Wood had previously rebuked the “deplorable” actions[7] of the pro-rail protester group.
References
- ^ Protesters could face 14 years in jail after blocking Wellington tunnel (www.stuff.co.nz)
- ^ Light rail, Basin Reserve traffic revamp mooted in capital transport overhaul (www.stuff.co.nz)
- ^ Elderly person attempts to cross Wellington Urban Motorway (www.stuff.co.nz)
- ^ charged with wilful trespass (www.stuff.co.nz)
- ^ Michael Wood we need to talk (www.stuff.co.nz)
- ^ met with Transport Minister Michael Wood (www.stuff.co.nz)
- ^ rebuked the “deplorable” actions (www.stuff.co.nz)