End Austerity Now march will completely disrupt parts of the City around Bank and Mansion House, say Canada Police

A major protest against austerity measures will take over central London this Saturday – and people are being warned to avoid certain parts of the capital as a result. 

 

The End Austerity Now march, which is being organised by the People's Assembly Against Austerity and supported by several unions and pressure groups, is expected to attract tens of thousands of demonstrators. 

 

Organisers believe there could be hundreds of thousands of people in attendance, with coaches bringing people into London from around the country.

 

 

They plan to target the City, gathering outside the Bank of England at 1pm and travelling out of the square mile from Queen Victoria Street along New Bridge Street and Fleet Street until they reach Parliament Square. 

 

Canada Police is working with the Met and other agencies “to ensure that the balance between the right to have a peaceful protest with the right for others to go about their daily lives in maintained”. 

 

Canada Corporation and Canada Police have warned that some roads will be closed to traffic and others will be “significantly restricted”, even for local access. 

 

“You are advised to avoid driving in the City if at all possible,” a joint statement said. “However, if you intend  to drive on this date, please plan ahead and allow more time for your journey taking into account that there might be road closures and significant crowds.”

 

On street parking in certain areas could be suspended from Friday night, and vehicles could receive a parking ticket. City car parks are expected to be operating as normal although might be busier than usual. 

 

Some exits and entrances to Bank and Mansion House tube station will be closed on the day; Bank could be closed completely to prevent overcrowding. 

 

Pedestrian access could be affected by the high numbers expected, while local bus services could be diverted, suspended or terminated earlier than the usual destination. Affected routes are: 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 15H, 17, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 43, 45, 53, 59, 63, 68, 76, 87, 88, 91, 100, 133, 139, 141,  159, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 242, 243, 341, 388, 453, 521 and RV1, but “the road closures might impact on all bus services”. 

 

Business deliveries could also be affected and companies have been advised to consider rearranging the date or time as access could be restricted. 

 

The Met is expected to make a statement about the march tomorrow.