What you need to know about protesters’ plan to block A12 near Colchester tomorrow

Protestors are understood to be planning to block the A12 tomorrow morning in a campaign against fuel prices. The protestors say they want to create a blockade at junction 28 of the A12, by the JobServe Community Stadium, on July 4. Here is what you need to know about the protest.

When is the protest taking place?

The protest is due to be held near to junction 28 of the A12 on Monday, July 4.

From posters circulated on social media it appears it is planned to start at 7am. Protestors plan to meet ahead of blocking the A12. The poster also urges people to remember to “leave space between cars for emergency services to get through.”

It is unknown how many people will potentially turn up. 

Why is the protest happening?

The poster circulated on social media states the action is to “stand up to fuel prices UK wide” and encourages protestors to block the road. It is part of a national movement with dozens of protests planned to happen on July 4 and other dates in the coming weeks. Figures from data firm Experian show the average price of a litre of petrol at UK forecourts reached a new high of 191.2p on Tuesday.

The average price of diesel was 199.0p per litre, a fraction of a penny below the record of 199.1p per litre set on Saturday. In Colchester a number of fuel stations are already charging in excess of GBP2 per litre for diesel.

What have the police said?

An Essex Police spokesman said the force is aware of the details of the planned protest and is keeping an eye on the situation. Speaking last month he said: “We are monitoring the situation and appropriate policing plans will be put in place should we believe they are needed.

“Whilst we are not in any way anti-protest, we would encourage anyone planning such an event to consider other avenues through which they can make their views known.” In an update comment given to the Gazette this week a police spokesman said: “We have been made aware of social media posts relating to a potential protest on Monday 4 July. “We are monitoring the event and have made plans to minimise disruption, keep people safe, and keep Essex moving.”

People who travel on public transport have also been urged to plan ahead because of likely disruption. 

Please note: Fuel protest planned for Monday 4th July 2022 along the A12 (in & around Colchester) due to rising fuel prices. Delays & heavy traffic are expected throughout the day across our network. Please allow extra time for your journey.

Sorry for any inconvenience caused. pic.twitter.com/SCuOp1ESKg

— First Essex (@FirstEssex) July 1, 2022

Will the protest actually happen?

Details of the protest have circulated on social media and police say they are aware. However, this doesn’t mean a protest will happen on Monday on the A12. Police and councillors had urged protestors to reconsider.

The planned location is in the middle of a roadworks area with narrower lanes and a 40mph speed limit.

Last month the Gazette attempted to contact users circulating details of the protest on social media but did not receive a response.