Police in Northern Ireland have issued a number of penalties and cautions to vehicle drivers after traffic was slowed or stopped in several areas.
Protest action has taken place on major roads in Northern Ireland, which is understood to have been sparked by protests in the Republic of Ireland over the last several days by farmers, agri-contractors and hauliers in relation to fuel costs.
It is understood that, similarly to the protests in the Republic of Ireland, the protests in Northern Ireland involve a mix of agricultural vehicles, machinery, and lorries.
Protests
In a statement, the PSNI said a number or protests, involving slow moving vehicles, took place across Northern Ireland yesterday (Tuesday, April 14).
Areas affected included the Sydenham Bypass and Westlink in Belfast, as well as the M2, A1, A4 and A5 routes.
The A6 at Toome, on the boundary between counties Antrim and Derry, was also blocked by protesters for a period of time.
The PSNI said that a proportionate policing response was implemented to ensure public safety and to help minimise disruption to the wider community.
During the policing operation, the drivers of a number of vehicles were issued with fixed penalty notices for road traffic offences and a number of other persons were cautioned for public order offences.
PSNI
Commenting on the protests, PSNI chief superintendent Norman Haslett said: “Today’s policing operation was designed to minimise disruption to the strategic road network, maintain business as usual at critical infrastructure, and to prevent escalation and prolonged disruption.
“The right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are fundamental human rights which are protected in law and allow individuals to engage in peaceful protest.
“However, these rights are balanced 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,” he added.
Haslett said that an evidence-gathering operation was in place and and that the PSNI will “now review the footage gathered in order to consider further prosecution of potential offences”.