Austria: Climate activists protesting in several cities, including Vienna, Sept. 4; additional protests likely

Event

The climate activist group, Last Generation, plans to stage protests across multiple cities in Austria from Sept. 4. As of early Sept. 4, the activists are reportedly demonstrating at Schwarzenbergplatz in Vienna and at Innstrasse 15 in Innsbruck. The group has been calling on the federal government to take immediate measures to protect the climate. Organizers have not announced a specific timeframe for the protests; additional protests are likely through early September.

Protesters typically target busy roads in the morning and evening peak travel periods. The protests usually occur without warning and target major city roads, ring roads, and airport access roads. 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. 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. Authorities will almost certainly deploy additional police to monitor the gatherings.

Advice

Avoid the protests as a standard precaution. Check for disruptions before beginning journeys and consider utilizing alternative routes to circumvent the impacted area. Heed all instructions from security services.