Climate activists removed by police for blocking another Wellington motorway

The protest group which has disrupted Wellington traffic this week have again been removed from a motorway by police.

On Friday morning, a group of protesters from Restore Passenger Rail blocked the southbound lane of State Highway 2 at the Melling Railway Station.

This followed earlier action on Wednesday, in which protesters sat on State Highway 1 ahead of the Terrace Tunnel and another protest on Monday, which involved climbing a gantry over the highway.

The group wants passenger rail restored to combat climate change.

In a statement, police confirmed six people were arrested as a result of the protest action.

They have been charged with trespass and criminal nuisance.

There was a large police presence at the scene and within about 10 minutes police had lifted the group off the road.

Hutt Valley area commander Dion Bennett said the protesters' actions were reckless.

"I don't know why the participants thought this was a safe act to undertake and it had the added consequence of causing disruption to members of the community who were just trying to go about their day," Bennett said.

"Fortunately we were quick to the scene and were able to resolve the situation quickly and safely and keep disruption to the public to a minimum.

"The safety of all road users is our priority and we will not hesitate to take action when safety is threatened."

Restore Passenger Rail group spokesperson James Cockle said the action was a last resort.

"This is like the fire alarm going off in the middle of the night, to wake you and your family up, to let you know that your house is on fire," he said.

RNZ understands the group had previously intended to block the motorway close to central Wellington, similar to where they blocked the road near Terrace Tunnel this week. Instead the group went out to Hutt Valley.