News / Air pollution
Disco roadblock in Bristol city centre to protest against air pollution
The Beegees’ Stayin’ Alive blasted out across Baldwin Street, providing an apt sound track for a protest against deaths caused by air pollution in Bristol.
Clasping banners and red umbrellas, a small but enthusiastic group of dancers brought traffic to a standstill in the city centre as they formed a disco roadblock on Wednesday lunchtime in a bid to raise awareness of a pressing issue.
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The latest in a series of peaceful protests by RisingUp Bristol, the demonstration met with mixed reactions: many stopped to watch, a couple of elderly ladies joined in for a bit and a driver, annoyed at the delay, had a few choice words to say about the whole event.
“Stop killing Bristolians, cut air pollution” read the group’s message, one that has been reiterated by mayor Marvin Rees, who recently said air pollution that is putting lives at risk is ‘unacceptable’.
Some of the campaigners who took part in the disco roadblock
But RisingUp believe not enough is bring done and they want action to address the issue now.
“The aim of the disco roadblock is that it causes minimal disruption, but seems to be quite effective at raising awareness and getting people interested,” said Stu Basden, of RisingUp.
“We don’t have a problem with drivers, but with the system that they are trapped in – a system that means in order to go about their daily lives, they have to hurt those around them, including themselves (with polluting engines).”
Annabel, one of the protestors, said the direct action is to raise awareness among the wider public and get more people on board so the council will have to listen.
Some drivers were less than impressed at the delay
Campaigner Rob Bryher told Bristol24/7 the site of the disco roadblock – the recently opened thoroughfare from Baldwin Street on to the Hippodrome – was chosen because the group believes it has only worked to encourage people to drive through the city centre.
He added that it was a “missed opportunity” to direct traffic away.
Read more: ‘Air pollution putting lives at risk is unacceptable’
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