Drivers warned to expect delays ahead of 'fuel protest' on Tamar Bridge
Motorists are being urged to plan ahead and avoid the A38 if possible
Last updated 24th Jun 2022
Drivers are being told to expect delays around the Tamar Bridge on Friday evening, because of a protest.
It is happening on the crossing between Cornwall and Plymouth from 5 o'clock on Friday 24th June.
Campaigners from the group 'Fuel Rebellion' say they have organised the action to call for a reduction in fuel prices.
They have since confirmed that they have agreed with police to only block one lane on each side (inside lane) to allow traffic to slowly trickle through to reduce the likelihood of emergency services being stuck.
Ahead of the protest, officers, council officials and National Highways South West had all advised motorists to avoid the A38 if possible.
Protestors are calling for a reduction in fuel prices. Their page says: "The price of crude oil has actually been higher than it is now TWICE in history, but prices to the consumer have NEVER been this high!
"Us the working class of Britain are just being shafted by the government! We’re slaving away to just about pay our bills and be able to feed our families. Some have to choose between having fuel to get to work and being able to eat! Somehow our government think it’s acceptable!
"We aim to hold a peaceful protest allowing room for emergency services to get through in an attempt to actually make a enough noise to actually make a difference!
"It’s worked elsewhere and it will work here we just need enough of us to make it happen!!"
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "We are aware of a planned protest due to take place on Friday 24 June on the Tamar Bridge. We are attempting to engage with protest organisers to ensure compliance with the current law and to protect our communities.
"We will facilitate peaceful protests, but public order or criminal offences will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly.
"Officers from around the force will be deployed to the road network on Friday 24th June to ensure minimal disruption to traffic flow".
John Ingram, National Highways’ Network Resilience Planner for the South West, said: "We respect people’s right to protest. However, we would urge people not to take part because protesting on the strategic road network would be extremely dangerous, not just for the protesters but for people using the roads.
"Along with the police and other partners, we work hard to limit the effects of protests on our network, and we’ll be doing all we can to keep people up to date with the latest traffic information and to keep drivers on the move".