Austria: Climate activists plan increased roadblock protests in Vienna through Feb. 27

Event

The environmental activist groups Letzte Generation and Parents for Future plan to stage roadblock protests throughout Vienna during the early morning periods through Feb. 27. The groups are demanding lower speed limits and other measures to reduce fossil fuel consumption. The groups have recently conducted roadblocks in various locations, including Naschmarkt on Feb. 13, and Kennedy Bridge and Hietzing Station on Feb. 14.

Typically, the protests occur without warning and target major city roads, ring roads, and access to airports. Police will deploy heavily to protest sites, and will likely make multiple arrests. Protests typically last for 30 minutes to one hour before police remove protestors. Activists increasingly use superglue to attach themselves to road surfaces to slow down response operations. Traffic delays are likely on affected routes until activists are dispersed; congestion is likely on surrounding routes. While protesters are unlikely to act violently, security services may resort to forceful methods to disperse protests; additionally, scuffles between protesters and frustrated motorists are possible.

Advice

Avoid all protest sites if possible. Check for disruptions before beginning journeys and plan alternative routes if necessary. Heed instructions from security services and do not attempt to pass through roadblocks.