Traffic stopped on the M25 (Just Stop Oil/PA)
(Picture: PA)Scotland Yard has charged 61 people for disrupting traffic on the M25 people as they ask for evidence from disrupted drivers.
Just Stop Oil brought the orbital road to a standstill from November 7 to 10 last year as they called on the Government to stop financing new oil and gas projects.
Now police are asking for any drivers who experienced “significant financial loss, could not attend medical appointments, could not attend planned work, or who missed anything significant” to provide statements to aid their case.
It came as Just Stop Oil claimed to have “ten political prisoners” being held in prisons across the country without trial dates.
A police officer was injured during the protests which saw environmental activists climb the gantries above the motorway, forcing it to close in several places.
Essex Police said there was a collision involving the police motorcyclist and two lorries during a rolling roadblock.
DCI Natalie Norris, who is leading the Met investigation, said: “Actions by Just Stop Oil on the M25 caused a significant amount of disruption to road users.
“We are determined to bring to justice all those who conspire to cause significant and unreasonable disruption to London and the motorway network. Our investigations are progressing at pace, but we would also like to hear from anyone who believes they were adversely affected by the disruptions to come forward with information to help our investigations.
“I know a substantial number of people will have been simply delayed by the disruption, but specifically I would like to hear from anyone who was prevented from getting to necessary or vital appointments or meetings, attend planned work and therefore missed out on payment, missed, or were severely delayed, attending any significant life events with a view to obtaining a statement from them.”
So far, 61 people involved in the M25 disruptions have been charged, 43 with causing a public nuisance and 18 for conspiracy to cause a public nuisance.
The remaining 58 people are pending trial.
Three people have been sentenced to prison for six months after being convicted of causing a public nuisance.
Just Stop Oil tweeted: “[We have] ten political prisoners inside Wandsworth, Pentonville, Bronzefield and Chelmsford Prisons. They are being held on remand without trial and what’s more, we all know who the real criminals are – it’s the Government and the fossil fuel companies.”
Just Stop Oil has been approached for comment.
