Vehicle protest illegal - Police

The Police yesterday said the islandwide protest organised by the UNP together with several other political parties to stop vehicles for five minutes and switch on their headlights at 12 noon today against the rising fuel prices was an illegal move, Police said yesterday.

The Constitution has given provisions to peacefully gather and conduct demonstrations. However, it is illegal if any such move leads to the disruption of the country’s law and order. As it is a working day, this protest organised by the UNP at 12 noon to obstruct the traffic may severely inconvenience the public, a media release issued by the Police Headquarters said yesterday.

Therefore this is an offence according to the clause 166 (6) of the Motor Traffic Ordinance. In addition, tooting the horns and putting on headlights of the vehicles is also an offence according to the clauses 155(1) and 155(4) of the Motor Traffic ordinance, the release said.

Under these circumstances, the police requests the public not to engage in such illegal activities. If any persons attempt to violate the country’s law, instructions have been given to take legal action against them, the release added.

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