PSNI confirms nine penalty notices issued for traffic offences with planning underway for response to further fuel protests
Police say preparations are underway to ensure public safety and minimise potential disruption following online calls for further fuel protests across parts of Northern Ireland
Slow-moving convoys of tractors caused disruption in several parts of the province including Sydenham Bypass, the A1 between Hillsborough and Sprucefield and Ballygawley Roundabout on Tuesday (April 14).
With similar action mooted in the coming days, police have issued advice to those considering taking part.
In a statement issued on Friday afternoon (April 17), 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."
Traffic Offences
The PSNI also confirmed nine Fixed Penalty Notices were issued for road traffic offences during the policing operation on Tuesday (April 14). There has been criticism in some quarters over the issuing of tickets in relation to the protests.
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has written to Chief Constable Jon Boucher requesting a meeting to discuss the policing response to recent protests involving members of the farming community and members of the public.
In her letter the DUP Agriculture spokesperson said: “From what I and others observed on television and social media, the protests appeared to be peaceful in nature. The policing presence on the ground at that time appeared measured and proportionate. Participants were conveying a clear and consistent message to government, in a manner broadly comparable to protest activity seen in other jurisdictions.
“However, having spoken directly to a number of individuals who have subsequently received fixed penalty notices, I have very grave concerns regarding the basis upon which these notices have been issued. I have also been made aware of enforcement actions including visits to individuals’ homes, which has caused significant concern among those
affected.”
The MP said it had been represented to her, that some individuals who have received notices were not engaged in conduct meeting the legal threshold for offences such as careless or dangerous driving.
She added: “Based on the accounts provided and material available, much of the activity appears to have involved slow-moving vehicles associated with the protest. As you will be aware, whether such conduct constitutes an offence is a matter requiring careful, fact-specific assessment against the relevant statutory tests.”
In its statement, the PSNI said 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. It added that 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.
Chief Superintendent Norman Haslett continued: “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.”