At least three people have been charged after climate activist Deanna “Violet” Coco and others allegedly used a truck to cause traffic chaos on Melbourne’s West Gate Bridge.
According to reports, Extinction Rebellion members allegedly parked the truck across three city-bound lanes on the bridge at about 7.45am on Tuesday. They then climbed on top the vehicle and unfurled banners reading “declare a climate emergency” and “climate breakdown has begun”.
Victoria police used a cherrypicker to make the arrests and lower the trio down safely at 9.45am after they allegedly refused to climbed off the truck.
“A 33-year-old NSW woman, a 68-year-old Burnside Heights man and a 51-year-old Williamstown man have been charged with public nuisance, hinder police, obstruct police and obstruction of a roadway,” police said in a statement.
No one was injured during the incident.
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But all inbound lanes had reopened by 10.15am, but VicTraffic warned significant delays remained on the West Gate and Princes freeways, M80 Ring Road and the surrounding area on Tuesday morning.
Traffic had earlier stretched back for up to 30km, while roads in Yarraville, Footscray and West Melbourne were also affected by the congestion. Police alleged the group also lit a flare when on the truck.
Coco was filmed at the protest calling for government action on climate change.
“This is a climate and ecological emergency and our actions every day impact the habitability of our planet for ourselves and for generations to come,” Coco said in a video posted to the group’s Facebook page.
“We’re extremely committed to non-violent direct action, but we are committed to sounding the alarm on the climate and ecological emergency.
Story was adapted from the Guardian.
