Shropshire Star

Brexit rush hour go-slow could hit A5 and M54 in Shropshire

A group of Brexiteers have said they will hold a go-slow, rolling traffic protest on the A5 and M54 in Shropshire during this evening's rush hour.

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The protestors, who want a no deal Brexit, say they plan to drive at 40mph along the dual carriageway. The move could cause rush hour chaos.

It is part of a national protest by Brexit supporters who want to clog up major roads and ferry ports across the UK.

The move has been organised by the Brexit Protest and Direct Action Group whose Facebook page has almost 25,000 members just three weeks after it was set up.

It says its members taking part in the rolling road block are meeting at the Dobbies services on the A5 Shrewsbury bypass at 5pm for the 40mph journey south on the A5 and on to the M54.

Nicholas Davies, who set up the event, said: "We will be travelling along A5 to Telford services on M54. I am hoping that a group from Telford will take over from Telford services to Junction 1 on M54. Another group will be starting at Junction 10 on the M6 at 6pm."

In another move by the protest group, tomorrow's trip to London by Shropshire Remainers could also be held up by similar go-slow convoys.

Policed

The 'Great Brexit - Remainer's Bus Hunt' plans to have drivers on the M54 at Telford to the M6 Birmingham.

It comes after police today warned pro-Brexit campaigners planning a series of “go slow” protests across the UK’s roads that they could face prosecution.

According to organisers the demonstrations aim to ensure the UK leaves the EU on March 29 by causing gridlock on motorways and A roads using a convoy of slow-moving vehicles, targeting between 30 and 40 locations over the weekend.

Among the roads targeted are the M25, M6 and M1, which is partially policed by Derbyshire Police, which said it has “been made aware of the protest” and is “liaising with organisers”.

A Derbyshire Police spokesman said: “Those taking part in any protest – on a high-speed road – should be aware that if the manner of their driving endangers other road users then they may be liable to prosecution.”

The RAC advises that while most motorways in the UK do not have an official minimum speed limit “travelling too slowly can be considered dangerous” and might attract attention from police.

Organiser Ian Charlesworth said the protests could cause “serious gridlock” and believes MPs and the Home Office “will be looking at it”, but added he does not know how effective the protests will be.

“The ultimate aim is to make sure come hell or high water that Britain leaves on March 29,” the 55-year-old told the Press Association.