Damaging "A" Boards on the pavement

[Aprisa]

Every evening I pass a small group of people protesting passively outside of an establishment with posters affixed to "A" boards placed in the middle of the pavement.
I was wondering if there could be any action taken against someone "Accidentally" knocking into these boards and by walking on them rendering them U/S?

I don't really want to get into an argument over whether they have good reason to protest or not just that each time I pass I have an urge to confront and make a case for the other point of view!

[Bigyoke]

A person, who without lawful excuse destroys or damages any property belonging to another intending to destroy or damage any such property or being RECKLESS as to whether any such property would be destroyed or damaged shall be guilty of an offence

Criminal Damage Act 1971

[yellowjack]

Cast your eyes over this...
http://www.nicholashancox.co.uk/highway_obstructio...

...which seems to have plenty of case law references within it.

The 'Highways Act 1980' is one element of statute law which appears to deal with obstruction offences. But read in conjunction with those case law references, it would seem to be necessary to really and truly (and wilfully) stuff up the right to free passage before a prosecution would even be considered.

Sadly, you are FAR more likely to face action over criminal damage claims than the protesters are to face obstruction charges, especially in this newly enlightened modern age, and considering the limited resources available to the police and the courts system.


Highways Act 1980 -

137 Penalty for wilful obstruction.

(1)If a person, without lawful authority or excuse, in any way wilfully obstructs the free passage along a highway he is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding *level 3 on the standard scale.



148 Penalty for depositing things or pitching booths etc. on highway.

If, without lawful authority or excuse—
(a)a person deposits on a made-up carriageway any dung, compost or other material for dressing land, or any rubbish, or
(b)a person deposits on any highway that consists of or comprises a made-up carriageway any dung, compost or other material for dressing land, or any rubbish, within 15 feet from the centre of that carriageway, or
(c)a person deposits any thing whatsoever on a highway to the interruption of any user of the highway, or
(d)a hawker or other itinerant trader pitches a booth, stall or stand, or encamps, on a highway
-he is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding *level 3 on the standard scale.

[Rtype]

Aprisa said:

Every evening I pass a small group of people protesting passively outside of an establishment with posters affixed to "A" boards placed in the middle of the pavement.
I was wondering if there could be any action taken against someone "Accidentally" knocking into these boards and by walking on them rendering them U/S?

I don't really want to get into an argument over whether they have good reason to protest or not just that each time I pass I have an urge to confront and make a case for the other point of view!

Such a PH question, lol.

Op see's a "Peaceful protest". Op thinks, how can I be confrontational without "offending" just because I have spare time??

[Bill]

Aprisa said:

I don't really want to get into an argument over whether they have good reason to protest or not just that each time I pass I have an urge to confront and make a case for the other point of view!

Now we've setttled your question, I'm all

[Mill Wheel]

Aprisa said:

I don't really want to get into an argument over whether they have good reason to protest or not just that each time I pass I have an urge to confront and make a case for the other point of view!

Have you considered walking up wearing a burka, depositing a rucksack, zips locked together, next to their A boards, and walking away rapidly?

What is it they are protesting about??

[Impasse]

Cruelty to A boards.

[Aprisa]

Well looks like I'll have to just Scowl a bit ;-)
Its an anti-abortion protest with provocative pictures, I just want to scream "go and do some useful voluntary work that will actually aid those who are vulnerable rather than standing around hands clasped looking smug!"

[Hooli]

Aprisa said:

Well looks like I'll have to just Scowl a bit ;-)
Its an anti-abortion protest with provocative pictures, I just want to scream "go and do some useful voluntary work that will actually aid those who are vulnerable rather than standing around hands clasped looking smug!"

Just take some pro-abortion posters down & hang them over the A-boards when they aren't looking.

[Rtype]

Aprisa said:

Well looks like I'll have to just Scowl a bit ;-)
Its an anti-abortion protest with provocative pictures, I just want to scream "go and do some useful voluntary work that will actually aid those who are vulnerable rather than standing around hands clasped looking smug!"

Hm, I now may be sided to potentially agree with you, your OP made it sound like it was a "No to fracking" type peaceful protest, not a serious location specific one! I would indeed stage a peaceful challenge. I think people have no right to have a say over a female, or young couple's choices and would have no hesitation in letting them know.

[CAPP0]

Aprisa said:

Every evening

Really?

How long has this been going on?

[Aprisa]

It used to be that they were there for a week or so then gone for a few weeks (between 3 and 5 people usually heads hung muttering prayers) but over the past six weeks or so its been every night. Its outside a Marie Stopes.