Climate protesters once again caused traffic delays in Wellington by sitting on top of a State Highway 1 sign.
Shortly before 7am Thursday, Restore Passenger Rail protesters sat on the overhead signage above southbound traffic on SH1, near Bowen St.
Police officers were forced to climb the sign to put an end to the protest. An hour later, they hoisted one protester off the sign, while the other was dragged away.
Footage from the scene shows the two protesters being taken away in handcuffs.
A police spokesperson confirmed two people were arrested and charges are being considered.
"Police appreciate that the situation may have caused frustration for commuters while the road was partially blocked," the spokesperson said.
Earlier on Thursday, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said commuters heading into the CBD could expect delays on Thursday morning. Left and centre-bound lanes of SH1 were closed prior to the Terrace Tunnel.
Drivers were advised to avoid the area if possible and consider alternative routes into the city - such as the Aotea and Murphy St offramps, or Hutt Rd via Kaiwharawhara.
In an update at 8:30am, police said the road was reopening.
Restore Passenger Rail is an advocacy group demanding climate action, specifically restoring a nationwide passenger rail service and free urban public transport.
After a four-month hiatus, the group took to Wellington streets once again on Tuesday - blocking northbound traffic on the SH1 intersection with Wellington Rd in Kilbirnie.
Three protesters were arrested that day including 64-year-old Rosemary Penwarden who cemented her hand to the road. She was remanded in custody until September 11.
"This is a historic moment as we believe Rosemary to be the first climate protester in this country's history to be remanded in custody for participating in a peaceful protest for climate action. Today we take action again in solidarity with Rosemary," spokesperson Jonty Coulson said on Thursday.
Restore Passenger Rail has been carrying out demonstrations for almost one year on busy roads and highways. The group have also doused themselves in red paint outside various MPs' electorate offices.
Frustrations with the group have grown as their consistent traffic disruptions lost them the support of progressive politicians.
