Anti-vaccination protesters cause M8 tailbacks near jab centre

A group of demonstrators protesting against the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine for children aged 12 and up have caused huge tailbacks on the M8.

The anti-vaccination protest targeted the motorway near the Pyramids Business Park, by Bathgate in West Lothian, on Wednesday morning.

Police officers attended and “engaged” with those involved shortly after being alerted at around 7.50am.

Police Scotland said the demonstrators dispersed not long after 9am.

Traffic Scotland said there was slow traffic on the M8 eastbound between Junction 5 and Junction 3A due to the demonstration.

From Monday, those aged 12-years-old and older who qualify for the coronavirus vaccine were able to attend a mass immunisation centre at the Pyramids Business Park.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of a demonstration by the M8 near the Pyramids Business Park by Bathgate around 7.50am on Wednesday, 22 September 22.

“Officers attended and engaged with the group who dispersed shortly after 9pm.”

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