Extinction Rebellion protesters block Commonwealth Avenue bridge at peak hour

Traffic was disrupted for some Canberrans leaving the office on Thursday evening, as Extinction Rebellion protesters parked two trucks and pitched tents on the road heading towards Parliament House.

Photos and video appeared to show ACT Policing search and rescue officers escorting climate activists off the bridge, including retired 80-year-old school teacher Margaret Clough.

Protester Dr Cat Sparks said two people superglued themselves to the road, while others glued themselves to a truck.

She said five people were arrested and taken to Canberra Police Station.

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Dr Sparks said some people in vehicles blocked by the protest were supportive, while "a lot of people were angry".

"ScoMo's [climate] targets are rubbish. He has no roadmap to the future, it's all just a farce," she said.

In a video posted online, ACT police appeared to be talking to a protester sitting in the middle of the road.

"I'm going to give you a direction to leave the area. If you fail to leave the area, you will be arrested. You've got five minutes to comply. If you don't comply, you will be arrested," a police officer said.

The activists are calling for the federal government to commit to a goal of net-zero emissions by 2025 or 2030.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has pledged to plan for net-zero emissions by 2050.

On Thursday evening, Emergency Services ACT said their assistance was not required to help remove protesters. They said police search and rescue were on the scene, and would be removing the activists.

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