17.Article 12 provides the police with the immediate power to wholly or partly close or divert roads or prohibit or restrict the exercise of a right of way or the use of a waterway, if considered necessary for the preservation of the peace or the maintenance of public order. It also makes it an offence to interfere with works, apparatus or equipment used in connection with the exercise of the power. This power is currently contained within Part VII of the Terrorism Act 2000, which will be repealed in July 2007.
18.It is necessary to continue this power to enable the police to carry out various functions including the effective management of the marching season. It will also help with the management of serious incidents, for example by enabling the police to protect the safety of the public by diverting traffic away from danger.