Major disruption due as Melbourne's public transport is halted ahead of COVID lockdown protest
Police are out in force in central Melbourne this morning and public transport to the CBD is being suspended in a bid to disrupt planned anti-lockdown protests.
Key points:
Public transport to central Melbourne will stop between 8:00am and 2:00pm
A heavy police presence is expected in a bid to thwart anti-lockdown rallies
Only authorised workers and people with vaccination bookings will be allowed past checkpoints
The transport stoppage was called for by Victoria's Police Commissioner and has been backed by Melbourne's Lord Mayor, following violent clashes between police and protesters in central Melbourne last month.
Victoria's' Department of Transport has warned only essential workers or people attending vaccination appointments will be allowed into the CBD.
Anyone else risks being fined.
Public transport to central Melbourne is to be suspended for six hours.
Trains, trams and buses will not run to the CBD between 8:00am and 2:00pm and extra police will be stationed in the city to fine and arrest people trying to take part in anti-lockdown rallies.
Major roads into the city will also be closed, and access through roadblocks will only be granted to those travelling for authorised work with a valid permit, or with evidence of medical or vaccination appointments.
The CBD lockdown comes as Melburnians enjoy a modest easing of restrictions today.
Up to five adults from two households who have been fully vaccinated are now allowed to meet for a picnic or another outdoor social activity.
The amount of exercise or outdoor socialising allowed has doubled from two hours to four hours and people are now able to travel 10 kilometres from their homes.
'You will face a hefty fine', authorities warn
Significant delays are expected on roads leading to the CBD.
Head of Transport Services Nick Foa said a "limited, last-resort, safety-net bus service" stopping near Flagstaff Station and Jolimont Station would also only be available for essential workers.
"If you do not have a legitimate reason to travel … do not travel," he said.
"You will meet police at roadblocks, at checkpoints. They will turn you around and you will face a hefty fine."
The Public Transport Users Association says the Victorian government needs to do more to minimise any disruption to workers relying on public transport today.
Spokesperson Daniel Bowen said the impact on commuters would be severe.
"It's unprecedented to shut down the entire inner part of the public transport network, not just in the CBD, but also the inner suburbs," Mr Bowen said.
"The shuttle buses they're putting on won't stop at intermediate points along the route to the city, so there's going to be lots of areas in inner suburban Melbourne and around the CBD that will just have no transport options."
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-18/melbourne-public-transport-suspended-for-anti-lockdown-protest/100472436