Pro-Brexit group call for more ‘go slow’ protests despite police warnings

Police have warned that more ‘go-slow’ protests on motorways and A-roads will ‘not be tolerated’ after pro-Brexit motorists brought roads to a standstill.

Four drivers in the Brexit Direct Action campaign group have been prosecuted for bringing the A30 between Devon and Cornwall and M5 to a halt on Friday night.

The protests aimed to ensure the UK leaves the EU on March 29 by causing gridlock using a convoy of slow-moving vehicles at around 30 to 40 locations over the weekend, including the M25, M6 and M1.

Inspector Simon Jenkinson, from the Alliance Roads Policing Team, tweeted that four drivers would face charges for inconsiderate driving after the event.

Despite warnings, the group said it is to embark on a third day of protests on March 25 which will see motorists begin from Junction 6 on the M3 in Hampshire.

On Friday, drivers blocked both lanes of the A30 towards Cornwall and at least two lanes of the M5 northbound while travelling at speeds as low as 20mph on the motorway.

Inspector Jenkinson tweeted: ‘We stopped 9 vehicles, the front two have been reported for inconsiderate driving the remainder given words of advice and allowed to continue their way and an appropriate speed.

‘If they repeat their actions they are aware we have their details and prosecutions will follow.’

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Organiser Ian Charlesworth had said the protests could cause ‘serious gridlock’ and believes MPs and the Home Office ‘will be looking at it’, but added he did not know how effective protests would be.

Mr Charlesworth, 55, said of the protests: ‘The ultimate aim is to make sure come hell or high water that Britain leaves on March 29.’

The Brexit Direct Action protests are organised through social media, with Mr Charlesworth’s Facebook group containing more than 21,000 members.

Another go-slow is reportedly planned for the M3 in Hampshire from 6.30am on Monday morning.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson told the Hampshire Chronicle that the force would support Highways England and would ‘deal with any unlawful obstruction or other motoring offences as they become apparent’.

The spokesperson added: ‘Those taking part in any protest on a high-speed road should be aware if their driving endangers other road users then they may be liable to prosecution.

‘Officers will be alert to whether the actions of protestors amount to unlawful obstruction, causing a public nuisance, public order offences, and driving offences such as dangerous, careless or inconsiderate driving.

‘Criminal offences applying during this protest are highly dependent on the circumstances of incidents.’