A dispersal zone will be enforced in Taunton tomorrow, Saturday, July 25, ahead of a planned protest and counter-protest scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. The demonstration is expected to draw groups to the town centre simultaneously, prompting Avon and Somerset Police to prepare a detailed operational plan.
Under Section 34 of the Antisocial Behaviour and Policing Act 2014, a dispersal zone will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. This empowers officers to move on individuals or groups who are causing, or are likely to cause, harassment, alarm, or distress to others.
Additionally, police have been granted enhanced authority under Section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act. This allows officers to require people to remove face coverings if there is reasonable belief that masks are worn primarily to conceal identity. These powers will also be active between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., alongside the dispersal zone.
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An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson emphasized the commitment to safeguarding free speech while prioritizing public safety, stating, “Officers will support lawful protest and protect the public, but will not tolerate criminality, disorder, or hate of any kind.”
Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Kat Forrest stressed the importance of safety and preparation: “We acknowledge the planned protest and counter-protest in the town centre and will deploy officers to help ensure the safety of participants and the wider public. Some road disruptions are expected, and we advise people to plan their journeys accordingly.”
Sergeant Forrest highlighted that peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right and that police will remain impartial while balancing the rights of all participants. She added, “Any form of violence, disorder, or criminal behaviour will not be tolerated. Officers are authorized to enforce removal of face coverings when necessary under Section 60AA to uphold safety.”
The police acknowledge that managing protests can be complex and dynamic, requiring flexible tactics to respond to emerging risks. Their central priority remains protecting public safety while enabling lawful and peaceful demonstrations to proceed without incident.