Environmental protestors are occupying Waterloo Bridge among other London locations in a protest against climate change.
The activists from Exinction Rebellion have vowed to blockade Waterloo Bridge, Parliament Square, Marble Arch, Oxford Circus and Picadilly Circus, warning that radical action is needed to stave off ecological disaster.
The action, which started at 11am today, is not “a one-day march” said its organisers – urging activists to “book two weeks off work, or go on strike.”
“We will keep going for as long as we have to, shutting down cities day after day until our demands are met,” said the group.
It is demanding that the government enact legally binding policies to go carbon neutral by 2025 and to establish a ‘Citzen’s Assembly’ to deal with the problem of climate change.
They aim to set up camps on the bridge and blockade it for at least a week, according to the organisers, as well as the other locations.
Over a thousand people have vowed to take part in the Waterloo blockade on social media. The move is part of a series of ‘rebellions’ taking place today across the globe.
In an update posted on its social media account, Exinction Rebellion said: “We have taken Waterloo Bridge!”
Pictures taken at the scene show activists placing plants, a miniature skate ramp and even a large model heart onto the bridge.
A Scotland Yard spokesperson said police were aware of the protests and that “appropriate” plans were in place should any incident arise.
The Met and TfL have advised that disruption to the travel network are expected.
“We will always provide a proportionate policing plan to balance the right to a peaceful protest, while ensuring that disruption to communities is kept to a minimum,” said a Met spokesperson.
“We would like to reassure the public that our officers are well trained to maintain public order and will be ready to respond should any incidents arise.”
TfL said this morning that the bridge is blocked in both directions and that delays should be expected.
Idiots with nothing better to do