Traffic light environmental activists expected to face the law

Traffic lights have been vandalised with the logo of an environmental pressure group, but the organisation has distanced itself from the protest.

ENVIRONMENTAL activists who defaced two Hobart traffic lights with Extinction Rebellion logos are expected to hand themselves in to police within days.

The green traffic lights at the intersection of Regent and Princes streets, and along Sandy Bay Rd, were this week emblazoned with the environmental pressure group’s symbol, depicting an hourglass inside a circle and representing time running out on Earth.

The traffic light action came as Extinction Rebellion staged protests this week in Hobart and Launceston as part of a global movement of “creative disruption”.

A number of activists in Launceston were arrested on Friday as part of the protests.

The State Government has prioritised removal of the stickers, deeming them a safety risk. But Tristan Sykes, the Extinction Rebellion Tasmanian co-ordinator, said the traffic light action was not endorsed by the group.

“The people involved are going to communicate with the police about the actions that they took and are going to be taking responsibility,” Mr Sykes said.

“These people acted independently of Extinction Rebellion and we’re trying to bring them into our ethos of taking responsibility for their actions.”

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The green light on the corner of Princes and Regent streets in Sandy Bay that has been defaced with the Extinction Rebellion logo. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Mr Sykes declined to provide information about the activists responsible, but said the group was dealing with police and would meet with them on Monday.

The Department of State Growth, which manages the city’s traffic light infrastructure, also said it had spoken with police.

“The department has become aware of Extinction Rebellion symbols being placed over traffic lights at several locations around the Hobart CBD, and is removing them as a priority,” a spokesman said.

“Tampering with traffic signals poses a safety risk and the department has notified Tasmania Police of the issue.”

Inspector Laurie Huxley said police were aware of the traffic light vandalism and asked anyone with information to come forward.

Insp Huxley didn’t say whether the activists would be charged.

But Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said given both sides of government were ignoring climate and environmental concerns, it was understandable protesters were taking grassroots action.

“It’s because both Labor and the Liberals are ignoring the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis that Extinction Rebellion are out there demanding the critical message be heard by those in power,” she said.

“If one of the biggest protests in our state’s political history doesn’t shift the political dial, it’s no wonder people are taking it to the streets.”