Drivers have been issued with fines and a number of people cautioned following a PSNI policing operation linked to fuel price protests across Northern Ireland today (April 14).
A PSNI spokesperson said a “proportionate policing response” was implemented to ensure public safety and minimise disruption.
“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,” they said.
Chief Superintendent Norman Haslett said the operation focused on limiting disruption to key routes and infrastructure.
“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,” he said.
He added that while the right to protest is protected in law, it must be balanced against wider public needs.
“The right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are fundamental human rights… 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.”
Police confirmed an evidence-gathering operation was in place, with footage now under review to consider further prosecutions.
The enforcement action comes as “go-slow” protests linked to rising fuel costs caused disruption at several locations.
At Ballygawley roundabout, tractors were reported to be travelling slowly around the junction, while delays were also recorded on the Sydenham Bypass in Belfast and the Westlink.
Elsewhere in Omagh there was some disruption when around 15 tractors protested in the town centre.
On Friday in Enniskillen, two tractors temporarily stopped traffic on East Bridge Street before moving on.
The protests had been widely discussed on social media in recent days, although no official organiser has come forward.
Speaking at Stormont earlier this week, First Minister Michelle O’Neill said decisions on fuel taxation ultimately lie with Westminster.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir urged those involved to “think twice” about their actions.
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