Anti-fracking protester handed fine for climbing on top of HGV

An anti-fracking protester spent more than 24 hours perched on top of a heavy goods wagon.
Cuadrilla's drilling rig at the Preston New Road fracking siteCuadrilla's drilling rig at the Preston New Road fracking site
Cuadrilla's drilling rig at the Preston New Road fracking site

John Knox, 31, managed to get on board the Iveco truck as it slowed down to enter Cuadrilla’s fracking site off Preston New Road, Little Plumpton.

The driver was unaware Knox, of Dugdale Close, Blackpool, had managed to climb aboard, and had to be told by police, Blackpool Magistrates was told.

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Knox remained on the cab’s roof from 8am on February 12 until 10.30am the following day, the court was told.

The vehicle had to park up on the A583, and bollards were put around it.

The traffic continued to flow, but at a reduced speed limit of 20mph.

Knox admitted wilful obstruction of the highway.

He was fined and ordered to pay costs totalling £195.

Nikki Hall, defending, said: “My client has been convicted of matter relating to his anti-fracking protesting. He accepts he was on top of the vehicle for a number of hours. He had endured some adverse conditions while camping due to his continued determination to protest.”