Austria: Climate activists continue campaign of roadblock protests in Vienna through mid-May

Event

The environmental activist group Letzte Generation is continuing a campaign of roadblock protests in Vienna through mid-May. The group will likely block multiple routes across the city every morning in the coming days. The activists demand lower speed limits and other measures to reduce fossil fuel consumption. Similar protests are possible in major urban centers across Austria.

Protesters typically target busy roads in the morning peak travel period. The protests occur without warning and target major city roads, ring roads, and airport access roads. Police will respond rapidly. Protests typically last for 30 minutes to one hour before police remove protestors. Activists increasingly glue themselves to road surfaces to slow response operations. Alternatively, protesters may march slowly along busy roads, creating traffic congestion without forming a static roadblock. Traffic delays are likely on affected routes, and congestion will likely build 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. Activists may also conduct civil disobedience at government buildings or fossil fuel-related businesses.

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.