“Right now there are closed roads at the Chiswick roundabout,” Hanslow police wrote on Twitter on Thursday morning. “There are diversions. Please avoid the area if possible. “ Four activists were stuck on top of an Eddie Stobart fuel tanker at the intersection, which supplies traffic from west London inside and outside the M4. On the side of the articulated truck were flags that read: “Just stop the oil.” Initially, cars were able to pass the busy tanker in both lanes, with many drivers hurling protesters. But as more police arrived, they closed the roundabout. Activists, who have been shutting down gas terminals since April 1, causing shortages of petrol and diesel in some areas, said they aimed to bring their protests to the public. “This is to make the invisible visible,” one shouted to the Guardian from the top of the tanker. “It’s to show people the things that destroy people’s livelihoods and ecosystems.” In a statement, Just Stop Oil claimed responsibility for stopping the tanker and said its activists were working “to stop the flow of oil to London”. The group has pledged to cut off oil supplies to London until the government agrees to a moratorium on all new oil and gas projects. The protest comes as reports of petrol and diesel shortages continue in areas targeted by Just Stop Oil. Over the past fortnight, the group carried out blockades and massive violations at 11 oil distribution facilities. On Wednesday, it was reported that a major petrochemical company, US-based Valero oil, had received a protest ban at its UK headquarters. Valero owns the Kingsbury oil terminal in Warwickshire, which has been repeatedly targeted by Just Stop Oil. The Labor Party has previously called on the government to impose “national orders” to ban the group’s protests, leading to criticism that security measures do not work that way. In response, Just Stop Oil said that the Labor Party “betrays their past, betrays the youth of this country, every country and is complicit in the genocide for the climate.” Just Stop Oil activists waited at the Chiswick roundabout for an oil tanker for an hour and a half before hitting, leaving much to be seen as they were carrying quality food oils. When the tanker Eddie Stobart arrived, one ran to the nearest traffic lights and pressed the button. Then they stood in front of the cab, unfurled their banners and told the driver that others were getting on his trailer. Before climbing, an activist pulled a cable from the cab to the trailer to freeze the brakes. More protests were expected on Thursday.
