Gransnet forums

News & politics

Protesters on the QE II Bridge

(167 Posts)

GNHQ have commented on this thread. Read here.

GrannyGravy13 Mon 17-Oct-22 10:01:32

Our local police have had to close this bridge this morning due to protesters climbing up high, endangering themselves and others along with prevent thousands of folks getting to work.

We all know the planet has problems, but disruptive behaviour alienating those who they wish to bring in board to their cause is not the way to go.

Jackiest Tue 18-Oct-22 12:59:59

Could just close the left and right hand lanes leaving the two lanes in the middle for cars. But they are probably more worried about the motorists looking up at the protesters and causing accidents not looking where they are going.

LouGransnet (GNHQ) Tue 18-Oct-22 11:15:39

Morning all.

We've had a few reports about the thread so we wanted to pop on here and say that, while we encourage healthy and robust discussion, we hope that everyone can express their views without resorting to personal attacks.

Peace and love

GrannyGravy13 Tue 18-Oct-22 11:01:35

Just seen this in local paper, apparently some folks decided to let off fireworks towards the men on the bridge last night.

Tempers are running very high, I dread to think how this will end.

GrannyGravy13 Tue 18-Oct-22 10:51:22

Those of us who live close to one of the feeder A roads to the QEII bridge are used to the odd disruption, but this is absolutely ludicrous on so many levels.

These men will not come down until they have run out of food and water.

(I assume they are peeing, not thinking about any other bodily functions, just pleased that I have not got to stand anywhere below them)

Riverwalk Tue 18-Oct-22 10:33:31

Grantanow

Open the bridge and leave them up there. They will come down eventually. They are causing tremendous damage to the economy and people's lives but the decision to close the bridge is idiocy.

There's no alternative to closing the bridge, IMO.

It would be dangerous as drivers could be distracted by looking up; the protestors could fall or drop something and from that height could cause great damage and injury to those down below, drivers and the police.

The ariel shots show mass disruption for miles - it's very selfish and misguided behaviour.

RichmondPark1 Tue 18-Oct-22 10:33:28

I guess they don't want to open the bridge because if they fall they could cause accidents and injure or kill other people.

From what I've seen it would be impossible to get them down without huge risk to the rescuers, the protestors and others.

Chestnut Tue 18-Oct-22 10:33:07

I think the initial decision to close the bridge was a knee jerk reaction. Those in charge should have stopped to consider the effect it would have, and most importantly......not knowing how long they would stay up there. These people are not very good at rational thought, because the obvious decision would be to keep the bridge open. I just don't think they stopped to think about it.

Grantanow Tue 18-Oct-22 10:23:31

Open the bridge and leave them up there. They will come down eventually. They are causing tremendous damage to the economy and people's lives but the decision to close the bridge is idiocy.

Chestnut Tue 18-Oct-22 10:11:09

I'd like to know what other countries would do if they had 'protestors' doing the same thing. Would they close the Brooklyn Bridge or the Golden Gate Bridge if this happened? If not then it would be a non-event and wouldn't make the news.

Sar53 Tue 18-Oct-22 08:59:23

I've just been reading that the bridge is still closed over 27 hours since it was first shut.

I'm not sure that the police know what to do as the protestors are so high up.

I live in Essex with a daughter in Kent and the Dartford Crossing can be challenging at the best of times.

I have a great deal of sympathy with anyone who is stuck in traffic on the M25 because of the inconsideration of two people. Whatever we may or may not feel about climate change this is not the way to get people on your side.

GrannyGravy13 Tue 18-Oct-22 08:52:46

Prentice

GrannyGravy13 Are those protesters still up there? They must have had a cold night clinging on, perhaps the police sent up hot water bottles.
Seriously though, it is time for tougher tactics to stop all this disruption.

Yep according to the Essex Police the situation is ongoing bridge still closed, tunnel operating in both directions along with hold ups on all approaches.

Prentice Tue 18-Oct-22 08:39:34

GrannyGravy13 Are those protesters still up there? They must have had a cold night clinging on, perhaps the police sent up hot water bottles.
Seriously though, it is time for tougher tactics to stop all this disruption.

MerylStreep Tue 18-Oct-22 07:58:59

Ladyleftfieldlover

Why are a small group of Grans always picking on Volver? It’s all very Daily Mail.

Ladyleftfieldlover
Please tell me your not serious and your comment was a stab at sarcasm.

GrannyGravy13 Tue 18-Oct-22 07:28:26

Right back to my OP.

I have just checked on the local traffic website, the bridge is still closed.

27 hours after these protesters climbed one of the supports.

Absolutely no sympathy with them whatsoever, 27 hours of disruption and extra pollution due to all the tailbacks,

Rosie51 Mon 17-Oct-22 21:38:54

Volver introduced the word 'jumper'. my response was

Rosie51
Volver A jumper is a disturbed individual who is displaying a need for support and understanding. They will not be doing it with the intent of disrupting as many lives and businesses as possible. They don't consider the impact on anyone else because they are too distressed. That you equate an individual at rock bottom thinking suicide is the answer with a couple of protestors able to climb high up the support wires of a bridge and determined to inflict misery on others is so wrong.

Volver told me I was wrong, that wasn't what 'jumper' meant, but won't/can't say what she meant. Brings in drunks falling off bridges blah blah Nobody wishes to bring hurt to anyone who has suffered such sadness. Holding her to account in the way she often tries to hold others is not bullying.

RichmondPark1 Mon 17-Oct-22 21:38:11

Gawd, I don't know why I quoted Ladyleftfieldlover. I agree with you by the way Ladyleftfieldlover.

RichmondPark1 Mon 17-Oct-22 21:37:02

Ladyleftfieldlover

Why are a small group of Grans always picking on Volver? It’s all very Daily Mail.

That was really clear JaneJudge. Made me laugh! I tried to build on your joke but wasn't quick or clever enough.

Callistemon21 Mon 17-Oct-22 21:36:39

SueDonim

I sincerely hope that another Gransnetter who has had a terrible tragedy in her life doesn’t see this thread and the casual abandon with which a slang word for people in utter despair has been bandied about. sad

Volver equated them with drunks.

It really was quite despicable.

JaneJudge Mon 17-Oct-22 21:34:10

my fish comment was a joke to volver sad

Namsnanny Mon 17-Oct-22 21:32:09

Good point SueDonim If memory serves me, more than one.

Ladyleftfieldlover Mon 17-Oct-22 21:28:26

Why are a small group of Grans always picking on Volver? It’s all very Daily Mail.

Grayling1 Mon 17-Oct-22 21:27:52

I can now see this thread becoming really upsetting. Think it should be stopped right now!

SueDonim Mon 17-Oct-22 21:21:24

I sincerely hope that another Gransnetter who has had a terrible tragedy in her life doesn’t see this thread and the casual abandon with which a slang word for people in utter despair has been bandied about. sad

Rosie51 Mon 17-Oct-22 21:08:14

RichmondPark1

noun. click·​bait ˈklik-ˌbāt. : something (such as a headline) designed to make readers want to click on a hyperlink especially when the link leads to content of dubious value or interest.

Volver hasn't done that here so I don't understand the accusation. Is there another definition of clickbait that I have been unable to find?

Volver hasn't done that here so I don't understand the accusation. Is there another definition of clickbait that I have been unable to find?

if there is it's probably sitting comfortably with Volver's definition of a 'bridge jumper' smile

JaneJudge Mon 17-Oct-22 20:54:37

maybe white was auto corrected to click and volver is actually a young sprat or herring