‘Rave’ (Reclaim the Streets) set to disrupt city traffic
http://news.scotsman.com/
AN anarchistsā march is set to bring major disruption to the Capital this weekend.
Hundreds of people are expected to take part in Reclaim the Streets, a demonstration which will culminate in an on-street “rave”.
Participants aim to bring the city centre to a standstill in their attempt to “reclaim” the streets.
The group is scheduled to meet at noon tomorrow at Bristo Square and Festival Square before they begin their march. Organisers have refused to reveal which route they plan to follow.
The march will take place at the same time as thousands of people are expected to gather in the Grassmarket area of the city for a free Mardi Gras-style party.
The organisation claims it does not intend its protest to disrupt traffic, but says it is simply claiming back space it is entitled to use. But on their website they describe vehicles as “those evil machines called cars that pollute the atmosphere and rob people of their right to walk freely on the streets”.
A spokesman from the AA attacked the plans, saying: “Groups like this are always going to be a minority. The vast majority of Scots understand the benefits cars bring them. The protest is not going to change peopleās minds. It will just be an inconvenience to everyone.” Although traffic chaos is possible, Lothian Buses hopes to continue running its services as usual. A spokesman said: “The extent of disruption is unclear, but we will be doing whatever we can to run as normal a service as possible.”
The protest will be taking place at the same time as an afternoon-long Edinburgh International Jazz and Blues Festival event in the Grassmarket.
“Reclaim the Streets” is a worldwide movement which has been organising similar street parties since 1995.
Beginning in London, it has since spread all over the globe, with parties being held from Sydney to San Francisco.
The first Reclaim the Streets party in Edinburgh was held in 1997. Around 200 demonstrators blockaded the Grassmarket
and danced in the street, before police moved in to break them up.
In 2000 and 2001, the movement staged carnival processions throughout the streets of the city.
Although these processions remained fairly peaceful, a few arrests were made and there were several “tense” moments between the police and party-goers.
This year, the police are unsure about the route the revellers are going to take as the organisers have refused to communicate their plans or to ask permission from the council to stage the event.
A police spokesman said: “We are aware of the possibility of this march taking place, but it has not been authorised. The organisers should discuss their plans with us to avoid disrupting the lives of other people. However, we will have planned an appropriate number of officers to be available should any incidents occur.”
The Reclaim The Streets movement rarely asks for authorisation for its street parties. The main group involved in organising the procession are known as the “Edinburgh Cider Punx”.
As well as targeting traffic pollution, they will be protesting against the Festival, which they describe as: “A festival for the rich where the poor, working-class and homeless are pushed away.”
The organisation of the street party also coincides with the recent announcement that the 2005 G8 summit is to be held not far from Edinburgh at the Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire.
It is possible the party may also be used to protest against this decision.
The organisers are hoping for a colourful event, with people invited to bring flags and music.
