Archived on 6/5/2022

Extinction Rebellion “swarming” road junctions

anon3821395

10 Jun '19

Lewisham’s major commuter roads have 6 times the World Health Organisation’s recommended ‘safe’ levels of pollutants. Residents are being told to keep their windows shut, meanwhile green havens and trees are being cut down throughout the borough.
…
In response, Extinction Rebellion will be swarming three major road junctions in Lewisham, Catford AND Deptford simultaneously on Friday 14th June from 7:30 - 9:00am. We will be handing out information to the public and sending a clear message to the local council that the time to act is NOW.

Swarming involves stopping the traffic at pedestrian crossings for periods of up to 7 minutes, repeated over the chosen time period – it is a low risk activity and so far, there have been no arrests for this type of civil disobedience. There are a number of supporting roles so you can get involved however you chose to. These include wellbeing, de-escalation, leafletting so if you are interested or trained in any of these, give us a message.

What do you think?

I support this action and will attend
I support this action but won’t attend
I disagree with this action
No strong feelings
Other (please comment)

0 voters

Cormac

11 Jun '19

I’m all for peaceful protest once it doesn’t harm anyone. Although would it not be as good to just swarm the crossings once they turn red with whatever banners and then move back to the side of the road and hand out leaflets to drivers? I fear it could anger motorists who might be in a rush to get places for business reasons and be counter productive to stop traffic for this long. while it will get the attention of council it may not be for the right reasons and also may not get others on-side with the real issue of climate and pollutants in our area. i also clicked the wrong thing in the poll. i meant to click ‘other’

SabrinaF

12 Jun '19

I agree with you Cormac and I don’t think the “Rebellion” understands that they will make an enemy of every driver they hold up on Friday. Every child that is late for their exam. Every nurse that misses their shift rotation. Bad idea XR

anon3821395

12 Jun '19

You can change your vote in the poll - click Hide Results then choose another option.

Leese

13 Jun '19

Or, in my case, a hospital appointment at Lewisham tomorrow.

ER are a monstrous pain in the arse with no thought for anything but their own meaningless virtue signalling and “being cool”. I wish they’d grow up and just disappear.

anon3821395

13 Jun '19

Letter to Sydenham School parents:

Dear Parents and Carers

We have been informed by Lewisham Council that a climate change demonstration is planned to take place in the local area on Friday 14th June 2019. It is anticipated that there may be significant disruption to traffic flows throughout the borough. Areas that may be targeted include Catford by the Broadway Theatre, Deptford outside the cinema and Lewisham Central by the railway bridge.

It is therefore important that all students who use public transport or car for their journey to school allow extra time for their trip to school on Friday morning. Students should allow significant amounts of extra time for delays and anticipate that they may need to walk some of the way to school. This is of the upmost importance for students sitting GCSE or A Level exams that morning. All Year 11 students should sign in at the main school hall on arrival at school in the morning.

We would be grateful if you could talk with your child about this situation and ensure they have a clear plan in place if there is a delay. School should be contacted at the earliest possible opportunity if there is a delay for any student meaning they will be late to school. This is particularly vital for anyone sitting a GCSE or A Level exam.

Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you have any queries.

Yours faithfully

Deborah Gostling
Deputy Headteacher

jonnoprice

14 Jun '19

I’m a staunch believer in climate change and understand the need for change. But I disagree with this tactic. Causing massive tailbacks with delayed traffic all with engines idling is in fact causing more pollution and not less. I cannot see how angering motorists is going to lower air pollution. Good cause. Bad tactics.

Hey Extinction Rebellion - why not tackle bigger causes of pollution and rebel against the marine industry instead. https://www.transportenvironment.org/what-we-do/shipping/air-pollution-ships

Leese

14 Jun '19

Indeed. Bringing traffic to a standstill is going to create more pollution in a concentrated area, so they’re also stupid, as well as annoying and disruptive, which proves they haven’t thought about what they’re actually “protesting” about at all, rather are just jumping on a bandwagon to look cool. They’re idiots, and should be arrested and charged.

Vennerist

14 Jun '19

Sympathies to the schoolchildren and others affected by the protest, but do bear in mind how important this cause is for future generations. Perhaps for some of us in our twilight years we underestimate the effect of climate change, subconsciously knowing we won’t be affected by it personally. More power to the Rebellion!

jonnoprice

15 Jun '19

It is a very important cause - I maintain they’re rebelling in the wrong way.

Sgc

15 Jun '19

There is a big change coming to shipping to shipping globally with the introduction of 0.5% sulphur cap which means most owners will have to switch from burning heavy fuel oil to marine gas oil. Or refineries need to develop a mix to comply with regulations. Comes into effect from 1st January 2020 so will be interesting to see implementation and how effectively it will be monitored. In the short term there will likely be a significant cost increase due to higher fuel which in the current bad market for owners will likely be passed on to the customer. Does mean they will evaluate whether shipping still worth it at increased costs, but probably just the smaller scale customers, not BP, Exon etc.

Leese

17 Jun '19

Those schoolchildren “affected by the protest” were taking their A-levels on Friday. Do you not think that potentially missing those has more repercussions for their future?

Extinction Rebellion are disgusting. I have zero sympathy for any of them and hope they’re all arrested.

Vennerist

17 Jun '19

Leese,

I agree the timing was terrible for the children and their parents. Rebellion would argue that their message is more striking, the more serious the impact of its activism.

I am in two minds about this. Many childrens’ lives will be seriously affected by pollution if we carry on without change. But disrupting a-level exams will undoubtedly hurt childrens’ futures, you are right.