Dozens of climate activists caused traffic chaos, blocking one of Melbourne’s busiest streets to a standstill during Tuesday’s morning rush hour.
The protesters blocked and slowly marched down Collins Street in Melbourne CBD.
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The disruption affected both tram and bus services, leading police to block off the intersection at Queen Street.
VicTraffic issued an alert, notifying the public about the slow-moving demonstration.
Trams along Collins Street experienced delays in both directions, with some services redirected along alternative routes.
Extinct Rebellion spokesperson Jane Morton said: “We are in the climate endgame. The fire, floods and cataclysmic storms we are seeing are just the beginning.”
“Governments must declare a climate emergency, take action to halt the warning, and begin the enormous task of climate repair, before it’s too late.”
However, frustration among affected commuters was on the rise, with one Twitter user urging the police to take stronger action, saying: “Victoria Police, enough is enough, how about stopping these idiots from disrupting the city!”
This incident follows a truck blockade on the West Gate Bridge the previous week, causing significant traffic delays and even forcing a young mother to give birth on the side of the freeway.
Despite arrests and charges related to last week’s events, activist Joseph Zammit, who had agreed not to participate in any unlawful protests, was back on the streets on Tuesday morning.
In response to his return, Zammit responded: “What I was told was no unlawful protesting. I’m not clear about what that means, so I’m playing it safe.”
Protests will continue tomorrow, with a large-scale disruption anticipated on Saturday.
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