The PSNI has said it is aware of social media posts calling for protests to take place this weekend and next week
Police directed slow-moving vehicles off Nutts Corner roundabout on Tuesday(Image: Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)
Police have said they are aware of calls for further fuel protests across Northern Ireland this weekend and next week, saying it is making preparations to minimise any potential disruption.
There have been calls across social media for further fuel protests to take place in the coming days which could lead to disruption on the roads and for public transport.
It comes after protests took place on Tuesday, April 14, on a number of roads which led to nine fixed penalty notices being issued for traffic offences.
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.
“Further protest and civil disobedience advice is available on the Police Service of Northern Ireland website – Protest and Civil Disobedience | Police Service of Northern Ireland.”
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