GMP response to fuel demonstration

Date published: 05 June 2008

Today's fuel protest passed off relatively without incident.

About 400-500 bikers, 20 HGVs and some cars took part, and most kept to the agreed route. While it did cause some disruption, which was to be expected, the careful planning by the Highways Agency, Salford City Council and GMP, meant disruption was minimised. Many motorists followed the advice and did not get caught up in the protest at all.

Unfortunately the small number of HGV drivers caused some added disruption after failing to comply with the agreement.

Despite being briefed by police of what was expected of them, and what was agreed with organisers, a number of HGV drivers broke off from the group of demonstrators and drove at an unacceptably slow speed. They were stopped on the M602, given warnings and dispersed. GMP has gathered evidence and will consider any appropriate action in consultation with the relevant authorities.

The sheer volume of those involved demonstrated that the Highways Agency, Salford City Council and GMP were justified in getting involved in discussions with the organisers beforehand and to put in place a plan to manage the event to ensure the safety of those involved and other motorists. It would not have been safe for this event to go ahead during the morning rush hour without these arrangements.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: "We worked with our partner agencies to make as many motorists, businesses and residents aware of this planned demonstration as possible.

"The vast majority of those taking part have expressed their views in a way that was agreed with police, that was safe for motorists and that caused minimum disruption.

"We are disappointed that a small number of other demonstrators let them down and acted in an unacceptable way, causing added disruption to some drivers."