Police are investigating after a white van was filmed ploughing into a protest. Footage from the incident shows a van driver in discussion with some of the protesters before sounding their horn and forcing their way through a banner and cones.
The protest group says one person was hit by the vehicle and injured in the altercation, which happened in Exeter, Devon, on Thursday, February 22. The incident occurred as Safe Streets Now Exeter protesters stood in between the a bus gate in a trial low-traffic neighbourhood area of the city.
They only moved to allow authorised vehicles, which includes buses, emergency vehicles and taxis, and were calling for the scheme to be better policed amid claims that unauthorised vehicles were still driving through. In the wake of the incident, a spokesperson for Devon & Cornwall Police said: "Police were notified at around 9am on Friday 23 February following reports of protesters blocking cars at Ladysmith Road in Exeter.
"It was reported that a motorist became involved in a minor altercation with protesters before leaving the scene. Police attended and the group dispersed by 9.30am. No offences were committed."
However, according to DevonLive, the force now says that was in response to a separate incident. Regarding the incident captured in the footage, the force said: "Police were called at around 8.20am on Thursday 22 February to Ladysmith Road in Exeter after reports of a collision involving a man and a van. A man was reportedly struck by the van and suffered what was considered to be a minor injury to his arm. The van left the scene. Anyone who witnessed the incident can contact police on 101 quoting reference 130 of 22 February."
The group, who have called themselves 'Safe Streets Now', have been involved in heated discussions about the LTN with drivers looking to make their way through. At least one car reportedly forced its way through the protesters prior to the incident caught on video on Thursday, February 22.
Caspar Hughes, the leader of Safe Streets Now Exeter, said: "A volunteer was injured when this person drove his vehicle at speed through the bus gate. This driver could not see beyond the banners - there could have been a small child there for all he knew. It was reckless and dangerous, as well as illegal.
"We've been making Ladysmith Road a little safer this week with our human bollard action, and this has been appreciated by the vast majority of people who have come to talk to us, and several people from the community have volunteered to join the action. We have enough volunteers now to be able to do this regularly until we hear from Devon County Council and Devon and Cornwall Police that they have a plan to do this themselves.
"Our experience this week has shown overwhelming support for the quieter streets the AST has brought. And yet, at the last meeting, the county council was making noises about removing the scheme. If you love quiet safe streets, then make sure you let the council know."
