St Albans woman charged following M25 Just Stop Oil protests

Louise Harris, 24, has today (Wednesday, November 9) been charged with causing a public nuisance after reportedly climbing a gantry at Junction 25 for Waltham Cross.

Just Stop Oil campaigners have been climbing and securing themselves to M25 gantries every day this week, causing heavy traffic in multiple areas.

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Harris is one of 11 individuals who have been charged, but not entered a plea.

They will appear at Southwark Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, December 6.

According to the Metropolitan Police, a total of 22 people have been charged so far.

A spokesperson said: "Three people have pleaded guilty to causing a public nuisance following serious disruption to motorists on the M25.

Heavy traffic was caused at Junction 22 for London Colney this morning. (Image: National Highways)

"They are among 22 people charged as part of a joint operation involving the Metropolitan Police, Essex Police, Surrey Police, Kent Police and Hertfordshire Police."

Protest action has been seen in various locations of the M25 including Hertfordshire, Essex, Kent and Surrey.

A statement released by Hertfordshire Constabulary added: "The M25 protesters are causing significant disruption and potential harm to hundreds of thousands of people and taking police resources away from keeping the people of Hertfordshire safe.  

Police stopped traffic near Junction 21A on Monday. (Image: Dani Dennan)

"Motorways are very dangerous places and our priority is to ensure public safety as well as the safety of officers and protestors. 

"The awful incident in Essex today where an officer has been injured underlines this.

"Our officers are facing very challenging circumstances and have been instructed to act as quickly as they can, using their professional judgement, to clear any possible protestors in order to get roads up and running and to prevent anyone from coming to harm.

Traffic was also seen at Junction 20 for Kings Langley. (Image: National Highways)

"However, Chief Constable Charlie Hall recognises the concerns over the recent arrests of journalists who arrived at these locations and have been present with the protestors at the scenes. 

"Additional measures are now in place to ensure that legitimate media are able to do their job.

"In addition, Mr Hall is today requesting an independent force to examine our approach to these arrests and to identify any learning we should take in managing these challenging situations."