Campaigners are set to close lanes of the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge for most of Monday. Gwent Police say they have liaised with protesters but that it's become apparent the demonstration against rising fuel prices will go ahead - although the scale of it is uncertain.
With bridge repair works affecting the M48 bridge, it means crossing the Severn on Monday is likely to be significantly more difficult than usual. The protesters plan to close two lanes on the eastbound and westbound carriageways of the M4 bridge between 7am and 7pm, with one lane in each direction remaining open for traffic.
The Severn Tunnel is also set to be closed for more than a week from July 1 for maintenance to the railway, affecting trains between south Wales and London.
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It's not clear how many demonstrators plan to show up, but the aim is try and urge the Government to take action on the soaring cost of petrol and diesel. The average cost of petrol in the UK is now 191.2p per litre, with diesel at 199p. Motorists at some filling stations are being charged up to 209p per litre.
Posts relating to the protest have had thousands of shares on social media, according to WalesOnline. Organisers said some will carry banners with the slogan: “Don’t get shafted by the pump.” A social media group used to organise the protest has 92 members, but some in the group say they became members to stay updated on expected traffic issues and are not expected to attend.
An organiser said: "We will now only be doing it on the Prince of Wales Bridge. We have to keep in mind everyone's safety and if we block the bridge totally and there is an emergency there would be hell. Yes it means only one bridge but [due to the amount of traffic caused] there will still be a massive impact."
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A spokeswoman for Gwent Police said: "We are aware of a potential protest and are currently working with neighbouring police forces and partner agencies to try and minimise any potential impact. We are seeking to engage with organisers to understand their intentions and will issue further information before any protest takes place to ensure our communities are fully aware."
Travelwest tweeted: "Protests are due to take place on the #SevernBridges and #M4 and #M5 on Monday, 4 July. Severe delays, on and around these routes, are expected. See full details here."
Police have told protesters banners must be tightly secured to vehicles and nobody should be walking around on the bridge during the demonstration. Protesters will stay inside their vehicles or stand beside them.
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