All the diversions as police use emergency powers to close two Cambridge roads in wake of Extinction Rebellion roadblocks
Cambridgeshire police have used emergency powers to close two Cambridge city centre roads to vehicles and buses after Extinction Rebellion set up roadblocks.
Diversions were put in place as the force formally closed a section of Trumpington Road and Fen Causeway.
The measures came after Extinction Rebellion Cambridge Youth set up week-long blockades around the roundabout at the intersection of the two roads on Sunday morning.
The climate protest, which follows demands the group made to the city and county councils, and the University of Cambridge, is due to last around the clock until February 23. Pedestrians and cyclists are not affected.
Police said it had been working with Cambridge City Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, highways and local transport authorities on ways to mitigate any disruption.
For Fen Causeway, diversions are in place along Newnham Road, Silver Street and Trumpington Street. Highways authorities are lifting the restrictions on Silver Street for the week.
Those wanting to travel along Trumpington Road will be diverted down Lensfield Road, Hills Road and Brooklands Avenue.
The route of Trumpington Park & Ride buses will be diverted, with some bus stops suspended and additional temporary ones added. Further information is being placed at all bus stops.
The constabulary said the aim was to ensure Cambridge city centre remains open for business.
City centre businesses, colleges and other organisations near XR’s blockade have been advised of the changes to plan contingency measures.
Superintendent James Sutherland said: “We review all reports of protest both spontaneous and planned.
“We have to strike a balance between the need to allow peaceful protest within the city and the disruption that the protest itself causes.
“Whilst the protests are likely to cause disruption, we are working with our partners to mitigate this and the level of disruption caused by the protests will be constantly reviewed throughout the week.”
A petition was launched calling for the roadblocks to be stopped.
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