Police officers of the Public Order Branch at New Scotland Yard were in
attendance in force at last night’s Critical Mass event in central London,
distributing the message below to all participants. I asked an officer
what this means ‘in practice’ and was told that the next two Critical Mass
events would probably be ‘tolerated’, but thereafter would be considered
unlawful unless the required changes had been made, with participants
subject to arrest and prosecution.
It struck some of us that this was only a ‘demonstration’ in the police’s
eyes. To us, it’s just a lot of cyclists moving together around London,
usually ending at a pub in the
Theobald’s Road. Would the police characterise tailbacks on the A40
Westway into town as a ‘demonstration’ just because there are a lot of
cars moving together into London to go to the theatre, parties, bars etc.?
Notice also the unconscious interchange between ‘procession’
and ‘demonstration’ in the text.
Andy Storey
**********
Metropolitan Police Service
CO11 Public Order Branch
New Scotland Yard
Broadway
London SW1H 0BG
Re: Critical Mass Cycle Demonstrations
Organisers of public processions are required by law to notify police at
least six days before the event occurs of the date, time, proposed route
and name and address of an organiser. Failure to do so makes the event
unlawful.
Demonstrations within a designated area around Parliament must also be
notified, and anyone taking part in an unauthorised demonstration commits
an offence.
Police can impose conditions on processions, demonstrations and other
assemblies, and participants render themselves liable to arrest if they
fail to comply with those conditions.
These cycle protests are not lawful because no organiser has provided
police with the necessary notification. Your participation in this event
could render you liable to arrest and prosecution. Police policy in
facilitating these arrests is currently under review.
If you intend to organise a future similar event please refer to the
Metropolitan Police website, www.met.police.uk for details. It is
preferable for all parties if a lawful event can be safely facilitated,
rather than the Police having to enforce legislation.
Superintendent Gomm,
New Scotland Yard.
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