A High Court judge has lifted injunctions that had prohibited environmental protesters from obstructing key roads in London.

The two injunction orders against Insulate Britain and Just Stop Oil (JSO) were issued in May and June of 2023, initially set to last five years with an annual assessment.

These orders had barred activists from blocking significant routes in London, including Marble Arch, Park Lane, and Vauxhall Bridge.

During a hearing on Monday, Mr. Justice Morris noted that there had been no further disruptive demonstrations since the summer and determined that it was unwarranted for the injunctions to remain in effect, thereby discharging them.

On March 27, JSO released a statement indicating that its members were “hanging up the hi-vis” and asserting that their demand for a halt to new oil and gas licenses “had been fulfilled.”

In a May hearing, Mr. Justice Morris agreed to maintain the injunction over the summer months to evaluate the group’s reported commitment to non-disruption.

At that time, Andrew Fraser-Urquhart KC, representing Transport for London, which initiated the injunctions, stated that this was essential since protests typically occur during the summer.

Mr. Justice Morris mentioned that around 300 individuals were specifically named in the injunctions from Insulate Britain and JSO; however, only one, David Crawford from Insulate Britain, appeared in court.

He remarked that the legal proceedings had been “an ordeal for many people who did not anticipate being ensnared in litigation.”

Mr. Justice Morris concluded by stating, “The result of this order I am issuing is that these proceedings are now officially terminated.”