Images show activists attempting to block the M25 south of the A12 junction near Harold Park, east of London. Separate reports suggest protests were being reconsidered as rainy weather had prompted "safety concerns".

       Essex Police tweeted: "We are on scene of disruption on the #M25.

       "We received a call at 8am that a number of people were blocking the road between Junction 28 and 29.

       "Officers are already on scene and the southbound track has been reopened.

       "We’ll bring you more information when we have it."

       Insulate Britain has faced outrage from many members of the public who have been delayed due to their protests.

       Many instances have arisen where drivers have exited their cars to confront the protestors.

       On Wednesday, Insulate Britain caused mayhem on the A40 in Acton, west London, today, disrupting workers heading into the capital during rush hour.

       In total, 32 people were arrested at protests at two different locations in Dartford alone today, Kent Police confirmed.

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       A statement from Insulate Britain said: "Insulate Britain has blocked part of the A40 in West London and a roundabout in Dartford this morning after declaring the M25 a site of nonviolent civil resistance yesterday.

       "We are demanding that the government gets on with the job of insulating Britain’s homes, starting with the homes of the poorest people in the country."

       Insulate Britain is an environmental activist group, formed by people involved in the global environmental movement Extinction Rebellion.

       The group began hosting both online and in-person events in July 2021, also raising money for direct action.

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       Founded with the aim of ensuring insulation across Britain, the group laid out two specific demands for its September 2021 protests.

       The first is that the British government fund insulation of all social housing by 2025, and the second is that, by the end of 2021, the Government must create a plan to fund retrofitting of insulation of all homes in Britain by 2030.

       Prime Minister Boris Johnson previously threatened fines or jail time for activists who shut down vital transport links.

       Mr Johnson said: “This administration will always be on the side of the law-abiding majority, guaranteeing the harshest possible penalties for criminals who intentionally bring important roads to a halt.

       “We will give the police the powers they need to put an end to their reckless and selfish behavior.

       “The right to protest is sacred, but there is no right to inflict chaos and misery on people trying to live their lives.”

       Under the law, activists who block roads can face up to six months in prison.

       However, police have complained they have insufficient powers to stop eco-protesters from shutting down some of the major roads across the country including the M25, M1 and M4.

       National Highways has been granted injunctions to prevent people from obstructing roads.

       But police officers cannot arrest people for flouting the court orders as it is a civil matter not criminal.

       The new laws are expected to be on the statute book by the turn of the year.