Powers allowing police to stop and search people they suspect are looking to glue and lock themselves to critical infrastructure are set to be unveiled by Priti Patel next week.
The Home Secretary will use a speech at the Conservative Party conference to set out new measures for officers in a bid to stop the recent disruption caused by Insulate Britain protesters on the M25.
Motorist bodies yesterday called for the police to take more robust action against the eco-group as it blocked three motorways around London.
The cumbersome response to the activists has caused a simmering row between the Home Office and Department for Transport, which has led to legal action.
Members of the group have so far ignored an injunction that was granted last month, aimed at preventing demonstrations on the M25.
They once again targeted the motorway yesterday on the group's tenth day of protests in three weeks, while also grinding traffic to a halt on the M4 close to Heathrow and the M1.
Car users reacted furiously as activists glued themselves to the road while some chained themselves together using bicycle locks.
But Ms Patel is now set to announce new powers similar to the police's ability to stop and search people suspected of carrying knives, according to the Times.
Powers allowing police to stop and search people they suspect are looking to glue and lock themselves to critical infrastructure are set to be unveiled by Priti Patel next week
Given it can take officers 15 minutes to 'unstick' the hands of each protester who uses glue, the powers could have a significant impact on disruption
Two Insulate Britain activists chain themselves together using bike locks near Heathrow Airport on the motorway yesterday
Given it can take officers 15 minutes to 'unstick' the hands of each protester who uses glue, the powers could have a significant impact on disruption.
It will also be revealed that
