On the day I visit the Extinction Rebellion protest in Marble Arch, several tents are blocking the roads, making it impossible for cars to drive on any of the streets near the station.
I read that businesses such as local diners and shops are losing trade, and notice a furious restaurant owner speaking to three police officers asking how long this will go on for. The buses are running but are being delayed, causing the trains to be flooded with people, especially during rush hours. It makes it difficult to get anywhere on time.
One of the protest’s goals is to encourage people to start riding bikes or walking to work, but on the day I go I wonder how an ambulance would get to its destination in time through these roads that are closed.
As I try to cross the road near Marble Arch, I notice police officers in every corner, which makes me feel intimidated. I’ve never seen so many police cars unless a serious crime has been committed. But the police are friendly and relaxed – almost as if they support the protesters – which just makes those who aren’t involved look more frustrated. Their city feels as if it has been occupied, by protesters and police.
Most of the protesters themselves seem quite happy. They have brought blankets, and decorations, and there are food stands, and music. They want to be as comfortable as possible. I even see someone playing the piano in the middle of the street. As me and my friends walk past, we are asked to join in, but we have places to be.
Then I notice that not all the protesters are having a good time. One young girl is completely covered in blankets, and looks freezing. Her friends are playing music and waving flags. Are they aware of how distressed she is?
The longer I hang around the less friendly this feels. The protesters seem be getting more frustrated and aggressive, and the police – sitting waiting in their vehicles – appear less relaxed.
I support their cause, but maybe not all their demands, and think that there are more important reasons to bring a city to a standstill – such as bringing peace to war zones, and ending world hunger. I also think that bringing public transport to a halt is not the right way to stop people driving to work. And disrupting people’s lives is likely to make people angry, and less likely to support the protesters’ cause.
I leave Marble Arch with a feeling that this was all useless. It won’t have any affect – except a negative one – on people’s ability to get where they need to get to, and to earn the wages they need to earn.
I’m dreading what it will be like to get home, on an overcrowded train being pushed by strangers. The sooner these protesters go home the better – and of course the trains will be running OK for them, just not for me and everyone else who is out today.