People in Leeds have reacted to the news that there is to be a "go flow" fuel protest, along the M62 tomorrow. The protest is planned to take place near Ferrybridge Services at Pontefract.
Drivers could take to stretches of the M62 from 6am tomorrow (Monday, July 4) and will be blocking the motorway, in a "peaceful protest" against rising fuel costs. West Yorkshire Police have said that they are aware of plans for a protest on the M62 tomorrow and have said that they are 'working with partner agencies'.
Writing on a Facebook Page dedicated to the protest, a campaigner said: "We will be meeting at Ferrybridge services (J33, WF11-0AF) at 6am then we will set off and block the motorway in a peaceful protest. All information will be given out on the day."
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A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "West Yorkshire Police is aware of proposed national protests on the UK motorway network on 4 July. We are working with partner agencies to ensure that we have appropriate plans in place, but if the protests do go ahead, significant disruption to the roads network is likely and we would advise people to consider their travel plans, if possible, on July 4.
"Deliberate obstruction of the roads network will inconvenience huge numbers of people, draw police resources away from other important work and potentially delay the response times of all emergency services. We acknowledge the importance of lawful protests but will deal swiftly with any criminal offences."
But, surprisingly, the people of Leeds seem to be largely behind the protestors. Many people have said that it is "about time" something is done to challenge the rapidly rising cost of fuel.
Amanda Liberty said: "We need to grind the roads to a halt Cos the government don’t listen. Unless people take actions. They still have a high amount of tax on fuel that they could reduce to save us having these issues with prices rises".
Scott Richardson agreed and said: "About time we start protesting over fuel", while Graham Taylor said: "I wish them all the best there doing for us all [SIC]".
Joyce Newsome said: "Great news it’s about time we stud up to the oil companies", and Tonia Ormsby agreed, adding: "About time, something needs to happen about the cost of fuel as it has a knock on effect to every thing..."
But some have suggested that it would be better to block the roads in and around the Capital. Katherine Dawson said: "Surely London would be more effective?" And Jan Whaley said: "Nobody will notice on the M62."
Some people were very much against the plans, with Howard Riley calling it a "waste of time", he added: "only innocent people will suffer".
And Michael Sunley said: "What's the point? Better off going down to London & blockading it. Unless it affects owt down there nowt'll happen...& even then they'll probably not do owt as too busy on the £ grab from it, but at least it screws them over not us up here."
Sarah Dawson was also scathing about the plans, she said: "Yeah block the motorways, stop people getting to work, prevent emergency services getting through and cost people their livelihoods. Not to mention the fact that you'll be using more fuel and have to go buy more........ makes zero sense. There's also the effect it'll have on the environment too."
What are your thoughts about the plans for this protest? Let us know in the comments!
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