Cool, cool, cool: NSW Police has ordered all taxi and ridesharing services to avoid Sydney’s CBD in light of today’s planned anti-lockdown protest.
NSW Police has prohibited ride-sharing services and taxis from “conveying” passengers to Sydney’s CBD between 9am to 3pm today.
What does that exactly mean, you might ask? Well, anywhere within the following boundaries of the Sydney CBD is considered part of the “exclusion zone”:
- Western Boundary: West Link Road and The Crescent at Lilyfield.
- Southern Boundary: South Dowling Street and Todman Avenue at Zetland.
- Northern Boundary: Bradfield Highway at Milsons Point
- Eastern Boundary: New South Head Road and Ocean Avenue at Edgecliff.
The notice has been issued to seven transport providers. Police say that companies who fail to comply with it risk a penalty of up to $500,000, while individuals (it’s unclear whether that drivers or riders) will face up to a $100,000 fine.
If you do try to book an Uber in these areas, you’re met with this:
You can’t get a rideshare or taxi in Sydney today. This is the note you get when you open Uber: pic.twitter.com/mOS9e5ljM0
— Jamie Cummins (@jc_cummins) July 30, 2021
Speaking in a media statement provided to PEDESTRIAN.TV, Central Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Peter Thurtell said: “A pandemic is not the time to protest and this prohibition notice is just one of the tools police have implemented today to ensure the safety of the community.”
“These restrictions have been put in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect those most vulnerable in our communities from harm.
“Essential workers, or anyone that requires medical treatment, will be able to make their way to their destinations.”
Police say that more than 1000 officers will be operating in the Greater Sydney area to prevent illegal protest activity.
Earlier this week, a digital flyer went around claiming that a number of anti-lockdown protests were planned across the country today, including one that is expected to be held at Camperdown Park in Sydney’s Newtown. If you have any information regarding today’s protests, NSW Police urges you to call Crime Stoppers.
It comes after last week’s protests of mostly maskless idiots, and after one man, who tried to protest, tested positive and breached stay-at-home orders to self-isolate. As of writing, it’s unknown whether he attended last week’s protest.
