Austria: Climate protests will likely continue in several cities through mid-September /update 1

Event

The climate activist group Last Generation continues to stage protests across multiple cities in Austria as of Sept. 11. The activists demonstrated at exit ramps on the Prinz Eugen Street Highway in Linz, on the B171 in Innsbruck, and on Petersgasse in Graz early on Sept. 11. Low-level scuffles were reported at the protest in Graz after commuters attempted to move protesters from the roadway; no injuries or arrests were reported. Last Generation has been calling on the federal government to take immediate measures to protect the climate. Additional protests are likely through mid-September; organizers do not typically announce the details of protests in advance.

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.