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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
National
Conor Gogarty

Bristol Airport issues warning over 'go slow' Brexit protest on M4 and M5

Bristol Airport has warned a 'go slow' Brexit protest could cause delays for people travelling this evening.

Brexiteers say they will drive slowly and form a blockade from 5.30pm, moving along the M5 southbound to Clevedon and then along the M4 to Bath.

The airport in North Somerset tweeted: "Please note that a ‘go slow’ Brexit protest could cause traffic delays on the M4 & M5 from 5.30pm this evening.

'Go slow' Brexit protest on M4 and M5: The rules about driving slowly on a motorway 

"Please allow extra time if travelling to Bristol Airport and keep up-to-date with your local news."

According to the Highways Act 1980, it can be an offence to obstruct the road by slowing or stopping your vehicle.

The code reads: "If a person, without lawful authority or excuse, in any way wilfully obstructs the free passage along a highway he is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding."

According to the Ask the Police website: "This offence (wilfully obstruct the highway) is committed when there is an obstruction of the highway (the slowing down or stopping of vehicles).

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"The obstruction must be wilful (not accidental) and there must be no lawful excuse for the obstruction."

"Lawful excuse would include express permission or situations where the obstruction is fleeting and limited in terms of space.

"For example, if a group of taxi drivers are protesting over the price of petrol and are driving slow through a city centre during rush hour traffic."

What to do if you're stuck in traffic

The penalty for wilfully obstructing the highway is a fine.

An Avon and Somerset Constabulary spokesperson said the force would deal with "any unlawful obstruction or any motoring offences as they become apparent".

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