Policing operation in place for planned April 24 fuel protest ‘standing up for hauliers, farmers, small businesses, everyone’ - Education Authority issue statement
Another fuel protest appears to have been planned on social media throughout Northern Ireland on Friday 24 April.
An AI poster advertising the protest has been shared on social media outlining the routes.
‘Are you ready let’s go!!!!,’ has been added along with the poster which is shared on the officialprotestantcoalition page.
It says – ‘Northern Ireland Fuel protests Friday 24 April 4pm
Locations:
- Tesco RDC Boucher Road, Belfast
- Asda RDC, Larne
- T Junction, Westbank Road, Belfast
- Lidl RDC, Nutts Corner
- P&O Larne Harbour
- Seatruck, Warrenpoint
- Belfast International Airport
- Airport Road and Airport Road West, Belfast (Oil terminals)
The poster adds: ‘Calling all HGV drivers, farmers, everyone
‘Standing up for hauliers, farmers, small businesses, everyone’
Police have again issued advice ahead of online calls for more protests at various locations across Northern Ireland.
Chief Superintendent Norman Haslett said: “We are aware of posters online calling for further protests at various locations across Northern Ireland this weekend and next week.
"Preparations for a policing response are underway to ensure public safety and to help minimise any potential disruption to the wider community.
“The right to freedom of speech and freedom assembly are fundamental human rights. They are protected in law and allow individuals to engage in peaceful protest. However, these rights are limited by the need to uphold the rights of others, protect public health and safety, minimise disruption to normal life and by the need to prevent and detect crime.
“Those considering protests involving vehicles should be aware that all motorists have to consider other road users , particularly critical blue light or transport services.
"The Police Service of Northern Ireland is required to balance the rights of all members of the public.
"This is particularly acute where processions, or protests, may have an impact on critical road users such as blue light services or on significant transport hubs such as airports and railway and bus stations.
"We will continue to police these protests with the ‘Four Es’ approach of engage, explain, encourage and, where we assess in the context of an individual incident that having had regard to all competing rights, enforcement if necessary.
"Where a Fixed Penalty Notice is issued to a motorist the recipient has the option to contest the matter in a court. Those organising public processions involving vehicles must also comply with the Public Processions (NI) Act 1998 and the Parades Commission code of conduct.”
During the policing operation on Tuesday, 14 April, nine Fixed Penalty Notices were issued for road traffic offences.
Tickets were issued following a case by case consideration as the continuance of protest created an unacceptable interference with the strategic road network or community.
An evidence-gathering operation was in place and police continue to review the footage gathered in order to consider further prosecution for any potential offences.
The Education Authority (Northern Ireland) have issued a statement in relation to potential Fuel Protests.
‘The Education Authority is aware of online calls for protests at various locations across Northern Ireland this weekend and next week (including Friday 24 April at 4 pm).
‘As before, the level and nature of any potential disruption is very difficult to predict in advance.
‘We anticipate transport and other key services will operate as normal at this time, and we will continue to keep the situation under review.
‘If protests go ahead, there is the potential for some diversions or delays to home to school transport.
‘Staff, parents/carers, and pupils are advised to allow some extra time for their journeys.
‘The PSNI is leading the operational response and, where there are any protests, they will be on hand to support the emergency services in responding to those with urgent medical needs should disruption occur.
‘Up to date information on any traffic disruption or road closures will be available on www.trafficwatchni.com