What's it like doing Roadtaking

Roadtake team (yellow High viz) with a lead Steward (Pink high-viz) holding a roadtake banner outside Farnborough Airport.

Roadtake teams usually operate as a small team with one lead (often a Lead Steward). Where available we wear yellow high-viz jackets. We work closely with Stewards who support the Roadtake teams.

Roadtaking involves stepping into the road when it is safe to do so (for example when traffic lights are red), normally holding a banner, to stop traffic entering a march or static protest site in order to keep participants safe.

We operate closely with Protest Liaison team to determine what is being covered by the Police or Authorities and what we will be doing. Roadtake teams react to circumstances, changing plans when needed to keep participants safe. The Lead Steward must always check what the police are prepared to do. It takes only 3 police to control a whole cross-road. If they are prepared to do that, let them. If they’re not, then we must jump in. 

We do not direct or control traffic, that is a Police role. However, we do put physical barriers in place (banners) and explain to drivers what is happening.

Roadtaking is a physical mobile role. It is best to avoid carrying too much with you since at times you will need to move at pace from the back to the front of the march or between roadtake positions.

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