A convoy disrupts traffic in Helsinki News
Police predict traffic problems as a result of the protest.
The Convoy Finland protest will begin in Helsinki on Friday, and protesters say they plan to gather at 6 to 10 p.m. to protest against Covid restrictions and high fuel costs.
According to the organizers, the demonstration will continue on Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm.
The protesters demand the lifting of all restrictions on Covid in Finland, a 50 percent reduction in fuel tax and the resignation of the current government.
Organizers have told police they intend to use civil disobedience tactics to make their demands. The police believe that the purpose is to block traffic to and from the center of Helsinki.
Police have banned heavy vehicles from downtown
Police have allocated additional resources to monitor the protest and imposed a ban on heavy goods traffic in the city center. Vehicles longer than 12 meters require a special permit to enter the restricted area in the center of the capital.
Police have urged those who wish to express their views to do so in Civic Square, opposite Parliament.
Traffic jams can take a while
Police have not yet given an estimate of the likely number of participants, but the incident could cause significant and long-term traffic disruption.
Facebook’s Convoy Finland 2022 group has about 63,000 members.
Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) warned on Thursday that the demonstration could delay public transport in central Helsinki on Friday night. Trams and buses can be affected by disruptions, and some roundabouts are expected to be operational.
HSL warned passengers to book extra time for their travels.