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Road Raging - Top Tips for Wrecking Roadbuilding

Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION

· Foreword

· When does a direct action campaign start?

· What's direct action?

· Nonviolence

· The schedule of destruction

Chapter 2. YOUR CAMPAIGN - SOME FIRST STEPS

· Setting up a group from scratch

· Money, bank accounts and treasurer

· Points of contact

· Group structure

· Campaign meetings

Chapter 3. BOOSTING NUMBERS AND SUPPORT

· Leaflets

· Posters

· Stickers

· Petitions

· Postcards

· "Beat the Bulldozer" Pledges

· Door-knocking

· Stalls

· Route walks

· Public meetings and debates

· Social events

· Newsletters

· Mailing lists

· Banners and flags

Chapter 4. BRANCHING OUT

· The campaign office

· Big events

· Telephone info lines

· Phone trees

· The internet

· Autonomous local groups

· Buying, blagging and borrowing

· Wish lists

· Fundraising

Chapter 5. DEALING WITH THE MEDIA

· Getting the most from the media

· Press contacts and lists

· Press releases

· Photo-opportunities

· Media information packs

· Spokespeople

· Doing interviews

· Letters pages

· Bad press

Chapter 6. GETTING INFORMATION

· Libraries

· Local papers

· Journalists

· Council offices

· Maps

· Environmental information regulations

· Post, phone and fax

· Company searches

· World Wide Web

· Contractors' offices

· Inside sources

· Infiltration

· Observation, photography and tailing

· Using the info

Chapter 7. KNOW YOUR ENEMY

· Politicians

· Road-building agencies

· Financiers

· Contractors

· Consulting engineers

· Surveyors

· Security guards

· Private detectives

· Tree "surgeons" and chainsaw operators

· Bailiffs and Sheriff's Officers

· Climbers

· Potholers

· Police

· Local road supporters

· Contract award procedures

Chapter 8. PREPARING FOR ACTION

· Route monitoring

· Grid maps

· Camps - when and why?

· Off-route camps and accommodation

· Welcome centres

· Communication gadgets - CB's, mobile phones, pagers etc

· Quartermasters, Quartermistresses and resource allocation

· Bicycles and vehicles

· Driver lists

· Setting up a legal support team

· Bail addresses

· Legal briefings and bust cards

· Good lawyers

· Action observers

· Police Liaison

· Affinity groups

· Direct action training and preparation

· Vigils

· Emergency mailout

Chapter 9. OCCUPYING THE THREATENED AREA

· Siting defences

· Establishing your camp

· Building a tree camp

· Building tree defences

· Defending buildings

· Tunnels

· Barricades trenches and tank traps

· Dams

· Positive defensive tactics

· Evictions

· Tree evictions

· Eviction of buildings

· Dealing with cherry pickers

· Tunnel evictions

· After eviction

Chapter 10. GOING ON THE OFFENSIVE

· Thinking Strategically

· Stopping surveyors

· Site invasion

· Crane sits

· Blockades

· Days of action

· Targeting the evidence gatherers on site

· De-arresting

· Targeting contractors off-site

· Office occupations

· Bureaucrat baiting

· Shareholder actions

· Subvertising billboards

· Hunger strikes

· Filming on actions

· Criminal damage and the campaign

· Secrecy or openness when organising?

· Dealing with violence on actions

Chapter 11. RECLAIMING THE STREETS

· Critical mass bicycle rides

· Street party

· Cycle lane painting

· Car bouncing bonanza

Chapter 12. TOOLS FOR THE JOB!

· Locks

· Coat loop lock-ons

· Cherry picker catchers

· Arm tubes

· Lock-ons

· Chainsaw blocking tools

· Tripods

· Bipods

· Monopoles

· Scrap cars

· Caltrops

· Smoke bombs

· Anti-quickcuff gauntlets

Chapter 13. CAMPAIGN SECURITY

· General security

· Office security

· Computer and document security

· Infiltrators

· Publications

Chapter 14. SUSTAINING YOURSELF & THE CAMPAIGN COMMUNITY

· Tolerance

· Mutual support

· Burn-out

· Gender issues

· Living communally

· Maintaining personal stamina

· Common camp ailments

· Natural additions to your First Aid kit

Chapter 15. LEGAL ISSUES

· Wildlife and Countryside Protection Act 1981

· European Law

· Public processions and assemblies

· Squatting land and buildings

· Some relevant police powers

· Arrestable offences

· Getting arrested

· At the police station

· Bail conditions

· Support at the police station for those nicked

· Preparing for trial

· The trial

· Sentencing and penalties

· Not pay fines

· Prison

· Prisoner support

· Injunctions

· Seeking injunctions against them

· Police complaints

· Suing the police

Chapter 16. USEFUL CONTACTS

Chapter 17. USEFUL RESOURCES

AFTERWORD

APPENDIX

· Contract work schedule

· Postcards

· Pledge

· Lamp post prussiking

· Compost toilets

· Phone tree structure

· Wish lists

· Press releases

· Grid map

· Legal briefing

· Bust card

· Short "if you are arrested leaflet

· Witness statement form

· NVDA training schedules

· Concensus flow chart

· Emergency mail-out leaflet

· Knots

· Walkways

· Tripods

· Section 6 notice

· Eviction summons

· Injuction affidavit - Application

· Injuction affidavit - Affidavit

Foreword

The intention of this guide is to suggest advice on building and maintaining a fluid direct action campaign, by sharing experiences learned from British anti-roads campaigns between 1992 and 1996. It contains ideas on building a campaign, dealing with the accelerating pace as contractors arrive, and practical tactics to stop them. Although we're dealing with roads, much of this is, of course, applicable to building resistance and fighting other types of destructive developments. Information on positive actions, such as "Reclaim the Streets" street parties, is also included.

We won't attempt to duplicate any of the several excellent existing guides on fighting road schemes at an earlier stage. We concentrate on the later stages, involving direct action - although getting in early is vital to win! See Chapter 17 for details of the relevant publications.

Although this guide is based entirely on British experience, and much of its content is specific to Britain, we hope that readers in other parts of the world will find things of interest and use in here as well.

The layout is roughly in the order a campaign might proceed, but as some will probably repeat what you already know, we have also tried to incorporate "dip-into-ability", with easily identifiable subject headings.

Please be aware that this book only represents the opinions of a few people. Direct action requires a questioning attitude and means thinking for yourself. We hope that this will at least be a starting point for ideas; don't stop here! Read and use the lists of contacts and resources in Chapters 16 & 17. In the Appendix we have also included examples of documents from previous campaigns, such as "Beat the Bulldozer" pledges, phone trees, and bust cards.

Good luck, and please keep in touch with any constructive feedback.

When Does a Direct Action Campaign Begin?

The general pattern of British anti-road protests has been separation into a "Lawful Campaigning" phase and a "Direct Action" phase. The stereotypical sequence would be: years of patient, energetic campaigning, lobbying and awareness- raising by dedicated locals; followed by a last-ditch, hectic and spectacular direct action frenzy as construction begins. This is, of course, a very superficial model, and many of those taking part in each phase will be the same people; but it remains true that there is far too much separation, on many levels, between "conventional" campaigning and direct action. One of the main themes of this guide is bridging the gaps.

It's easy to get hung up on definitions of "direct action", "civil disobedience" etc. (see below for a brief discussion). What matters is that the approach at any time should NOT be stereotyped, but should be determined by whatever seems most likely to delay or STOP THE ROAD. It can be surprisingly easy to lose sight of this objective! For example, if you have heard that roads are going to be cut in the Budget, your last þ50 may be better spent targetting Treasury officials and MPs, than on buying D-locks. On the other hand, if the contract to build the road has been let, writing indignant letters to the government is a waste of time, that could be better spent building up camp defences, or finishing off the action phone tree.

Deciding what is and isn't appropriate for the campaign will take debate, argument and broad consensus. One of the main benefits of this sort of discussion is that people with different backgrounds can learn from one another, and that direct action tactics can be used in the campaign as and when required, rather than being artificially separate. It's a big mistake to assume that the spontaneity, passion and daring of good direct action should only be used in a limited section of the campaign, or only by a "special" group of activists.

Direct action is powerful and may benefit from careful planning. Consider things carefully and use it appropriately - but don't be afraid to go with your instincts. We'd definitely recommend starting cautiously and "escalating" tactics as time passes and the start of roadbuilding approaches.

So What's Direct Action?

This phrase has been applied to a huge variety of activities, and getting on and doing it is much more important than constantly arguing definitions! Briefly, direct action implies acting yourself, in a way that directly addresses the problem which you're confronting, and without relying on, or seeking approval from, politicians, bureaucrats or other mediators. Therefore, if you see bulldozers ripping apart somewhere you care about, you take direct action when you directly intervene to try and stop them.

Direct action also implies rejection of the procedures and rules of the roadbuilders, and having the initiative to decide for yourself what is right and what needs to be resisted, rather than obeying laws or orders. Although direct action can be seen merely as one tool in any campaigner's tool box, it is also much more than this. It means fighting for control of your own life and to attempt directly to affect the world around you, taking responsibility for your actions on your own terms.

In this guide we describe various direct action techniques, as well as ways to support, or build up to, direct action, and also more "conventional" campaigning methods. We don't see this as a hierarchy, but as a diversity without which a campaign will be one-dimensional, and unlikely to stop the road. Do what's right, do what's effective, and JUST DO IT!

Non-violence

The type of protest we will describe is generally called NVDA (Nonviolent Direct Action). It is impossible to adequately discuss the issue of nonviolence here, but a few points are worth making. Most activists would probably agree that British anti-road actions since Twyford Down in 1992 have been mostly nonviolent in character; however, it's important to state that definitions of "nonviolence" vary greatly, and there is a wide range of views. In particular, the right to defend oneself against violence is a controversial point. The people who wrote and edited this themselves differ in opinion on these issues.

Some activists see a nonviolent philosophy as absolutely essential at all times, and would not support any form of action which involved or supported violence; NVDA as both means and ends. Others see NVDA only as a tactic, and believe that violence may sometimes be necessary. It's probably fair to say that the majority of activists agree on nonviolence as the most successful and appropriate approach for fighting roadbuilding in Britain now; that's our view, at least. Therefore, the tactics and ideas outlined in the following pages are nonviolent ones. Ways of dealing with, and reducing, violent behaviour towards yourself are also discussed. (see Chapter 10).

The State has always depended absolutely on threatening and using violence, and will dig deeper into its huge arsenal given any excuses. It will nonetheless be quick to condemn any violence on your side - often including such actions as damage to property. The media will follow this line. It is important to expect this sort of thing and be ready to deal with it. Productive discussion within the campaign about nonviolence needs to happen if the campaign is to cope well with these issues.

The Schedule of Destruction

It is important to recognise the various stages of roadbuilding to prepare to fight it. After the political decision to build the road has been announced, the first stage will be awarding of the preliminary contracts. (NB. A generalised sequence of a contract award is described in Chapter 7.) The roadbuilding agency will be busy trying to let these contract(s), so now is the time to attempt to sabotage the contracts procedure - see Chapter 10 for ideas.

Around this time, people along the route who have had their properties or land bought under Compulsory Purchase laws will be sent a "Notice to Treat" or similar, giving notice of the earliest date work can start on their property. Get to know these people! Don't use "Notice to Treat" dates as definate, as each only covers a single parcel of land, not the whole route and work can also start well after issue of the Notice.

It is also essential to watch and monitor the route of the road as closely as possible, as this is the time when hostile activity often starts. In particular, look for surveying, vehicles snooping around the route, and sneaky tree-felling (see 'Route Monitoring" in Chapter 8). Because preliminary contracts are usually relatively low in cost and short, it's often hard to discover what's going on with them until the last minute - especially as there may be several. Whilst trying to find out as much as possible from tip-offs, sources in the construction industry etc, the best approach is surely to monitor the route as well as you can, and prepare to stop work if it starts. Now is the time to study, in detail, maps and plans of the road. Preliminary works is the most destructive period, and may include tree-felling, building demolition, drainage, road diversions, earthworks, and some construction; there may also be ecological or archaeological "rescue" contracts.

The main works contract(s) may start soon after the preliminary works, or there may be a delay of months while the contract letting procedures continue. It is a huge advantage if you can find out the start date! When main works do start, it's likely that one of the first jobs of the contractors will be to establish compounds and / or fenced areas of the route. (Of course preliminary works may also have involved some fencing.) Once contractors have thus secured their working space, they'll start getting on with work alarmingly quickly if you let them. The exact order of main works will vary depending on the complexity of the contract. To work out what's going on, remember that everything will be programmed to be completed together, so long jobs like building large flyovers are likely to start relatively early; see the Appendix for an example of a work schedule. Earthmoving is also likely to be started fairly early, especially if there's a lot of stuff to shift; however, it needs to be done between March and October to avoid the worst of the weather. The contractors should inform local residents of the general order of work. The job ends with laying the tarmac, signing and building barriers and roadside fences, tree-planting etc, and finally, the opening ceremony...

Chapter 2: Your campaign - some first steps

The first step in the process between sitting at home fuming about an outrageous new development, and actually stopping it, is finding other like-minded people and getting organised.

Starting up a Group from Scratch

Groups like the Friends of Twyford Down and Save Our Solsbury grew from a couple of people deciding to actively oppose road schemes. If you decide to set up a group to initiate opposition to a scheme, here are a few ideas for getting started. Firstly, get in touch with other local groups with similar interests - your local Earth First! (EF!), Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth (FoE), Council for Protection of Rural England (CPRE) group or cycling campaign - and see if there is any concern in these circles too. Get in touch with ALARM UK (see Chapter 16) to see if there are any activists or groups in your area. Write letters to the local papers and see who responds, then get in touch with them.

When you feel as if you have enough people to kick things off (remember, you'll only need a few) then consider setting up your first meeting. Book a hall, or hold the meeting in someone's house, and make sure as many people who've expressed interest can come along. Organise refreshments. Advertise in sympathetic places that a group is being set up to oppose the development you're fighting, and that a first meeting is being held. Do not invite the press.

The first meeting should be open, inclusive and inspiring! You could begin by getting to know one another and letting off steam about the development. If there are lots of people it might be an idea to do this in small groups of 4 or 5. Be at pains not to let a few people dominate the whole meeting. If people decide to respect one another as equals, encouraging active involvement from everyone in decision making and action, then both the campaign and the people in it will grow and blossom.

The task of this first meeting could be to choose the group's name. Once a group of people is set up, there are a few essentials to sort out without which your group won't really exist.

Money, Bank Accounts and Treasurer

A bank account is essential, both to allow you to process donations, and to avoid people in the campaign having to keep dipping into their own pockets. Set up an account with an ethically aware organisation, for instance the Co-op bank or an independent building society. Have at least two trustworthy signatories who are also not in trouble with outstanding financial court cases or debts.

One of these signatories should take the role of Treasurer. This is a role best suited to someone with book- keeping skills, time to spare, and who is easy to get hold of. The signatories will be the only people who'll have their names directly linked to the campaign and for this reason perhaps they should be people who are unlikely to be involved in arrestable direct action.

Treasurers should never be pressured into handing out cash on demand but should be able to refer demands back to the meeting. Right from the start the Treasurer should keep scrupulous records of income and expenditure so they are accountable to the campaign. However, never keep records or receipts of anything incriminating.

Points of Contact - Postal Address, Telephone and E-mail

You must have a postal address, as people will soon want to send you requests for information and donations etc. Consider setting up a Post Office Private Box (PO Box) as soon as possible rather than using a private home address, for security reasons. However the Post Office will disclose the names and addresses to which the PO Box is registered on request. Safer still is the BM Box confidential mail forwarding service, privately provided by British Monomarks (see Chapter 16). A BM Box gives your address complete security - except from the police! A third and easier alternative is to have a "care of" address in a sympathetic local radical bookshop or similar.

A telephone contact point is also essential. In the first instance you may want to use individual private phone lines. Several numbers will share the burden. Alternatively the campaign could pay to have a second line installed in someone's house with an answer machine with a message on it.

If a member of your group has access to a computer and a modem you may wish to set up an e-mail address (See Chapter 4 "the internet" section).

Group Structure

British anti-road direct action campaigns have always deliberately avoided formal hierarchical structures such as, committees, leaders and named positions. Hierarchies are stifling and do not bring out the best in people. From a practical point of view, hierarchical structures can easily be nobbled by the victimisation of its leaders.

Although non-hierarchical structures require hard work, patience and tolerance to work, they are worth it as they are definitely the most welcoming and inclusive way to enable everyone to maximise their contribution to the campaign. With this way of working, individuals will be able to vary their involvement according to their personal skills, energy and interests at any time, unrestricted by the straitjacket of formal structure. People will probably be happier too! It would be optimistic to pretend that informal hierarchies, based on experience or dominant personalities, will not develop. Try to minimise this, and ensure that these hierarchies don't become entrenched.

Establishing small but open working groups to tackle specific issues - research, legal support, fundraising - allows efficiency and specialisation without hierarchy. Having no leaders does not mean that individuals do not take the initiative or responsibility. It means that people have to be self-motivated.

The campaign will develop its own unique identity. Preserve this, and guard against being used by other groups or individuals with their own agendas. Hierarchical national organisations (even sympathetic and helpful ones) and political parties (including local politicians) may try to use your campaign to further their own ends, if you let them. Work with them, but on your own terms.

The system which brings about untold social and environmental ruin relies on people respecting and obeying hierarchy. Don't mimic the system - fight it!

Campaign meetings

Campaign meetings are an essential tool for bringing the campaign together for discussion and decision-making. Although they can be tedious and frustrating they should never be abandoned. Running successful, dynamic and positive meetings IS possible, although often hard work!

Firstly, decide on the purpose of the meeting. Regular weekly meetings are good for deciding basic campaign expenditure, exchanging news, and brief discussions, but aren't suitable for in-depth debates on a single issue, or for detailed action planning. It's best to call a separate meeting to deal in detail with planning or specific issues; alternatively, just get together the people interested, and do it! Some campaigns have set up small working groups to work on particular projects; these can then report back to a weekly meeting.

The weekly meeting should have a fixed time and venue, to provide a steady reference point. Weekday evenings are good times, starting the meeting late enough to allow people who have been working to get there, but early enough so that it finishes in good time. Meetings in camps are preferred by some camp-dwellers, but finding a reliable, comfortable, weatherproof and well-lit meeting space for enough people can be difficult. A meeting room in the nearest town is better, but will often pose transport problems for those living on camps. Providing reliable lifts from and back to camps on the meeting night may be the answer. Ensure the arrangement is broadly acceptable to everyone.

Running the Meeting

There are many ways to run a meeting, and the campaign must find one that is accessible and inclusive. Start by sitting in a circle large enough for everyone to see each other. There are two main ways which are commonly used to run a meeting:

· The "talking stick" method - this involves a stick or other object, which is passed between speakers, with only the stick-holder speaking. This theoretically gives everyone equal control over the meeting. However, people often chose to pass the stick to their friends or to people they know will support them. It is also very easy for dominant people to hog the stick. This method is therefore best used in co-operative meetings where there is little polarisation of opinion.

· "Facilitation" - this involves somebody taking the role of facilitator or chair. The facilitator should move through the agenda ensuring that points are discussed by the meeting, not just by the most vociferous. Facilitators could actively seek the opinions of new, quieter or shy people, but don't put them on the spot. The facilitator must be as genuinely objective as possible; a bad facilitator can completely ruin a meeting. The facilitator should avoid putting forward their own views. If they want to seriously get involved in the debate, they should relinquish the role for that period.

The facilitator should encourage new points, discourage reiteration in discussion and aim towards concluding the discussion with an action point (i.e. a task that someone agrees to take on). If lots of people have their hands up, note them in order on a piece of paper so each gets their say in turn. Remember that people whose hard work would otherwise go unrecognised should be thanked by the meeting.

It is important to rotate the facilitator at each meeting - this does not mean putting the