TRUCKERS in Ottawa have been told to stop blasting their horns as part of a protest that has congested the streets.
The continuous blare of truck horns has become one of the defining characteristics of the anti-vaccine movement in Canada.
However, a judge has ordered that they remain silent for the next ten days.
“Tooting a horn is not an expression of any great thought I’m aware of,” Justice McLean said in a ruling presented to locals on Monday.
The arrival of hundreds of trucks, with their loud honking, had enraged some residents and business owners.
The Freedom Convoy protest which has extended to other cities was organized in response to federal regulations requiring truckers to be vaccinated before crossing the US border.
However, it is now opposed to a variety of mandates; for example, in some regions of Canada, you must present proof of vaccination to attend indoor places such as restaurants, gyms, and bars.
Several of them told the BBC on Monday morning that they would stay until their demands were granted.
Although most demonstrations are peaceful, there have been reported instances of abuse, and some have utilized Nazi slogans to make their point.
One of the protesters Freeman said he was unconcerned by police warnings that individuals delivering fuel to protestors in a “red zone” in downtown Ottawa may be arrested.
While trucker Lloyd Brubacher, believes that Trudeau and the Canadian government, are responsible for the continuous protests.
“All the truckers would go home as fast as we came if he dropped all the mandates,” he claimed. “Ottawa would be a completely free city adding the he was supporting the demonstrations because he is concerned that his nine-year-old son will grow up “without the right to choose his freedom and rights.”
“All I want is the freedom to choose whether or not to get the vaccine,” he stated.
According to police, who have initiated 60 criminal investigations into the protests so far, seven people have been arrested and “several” gasoline trucks have been seized.
While speaking to some residents of Ottawa however, many said they’ve had enough of the protests and have expressed dissatisfaction with how they’re affecting their daily lives.
Seven arrests had been made by Sunday, including three for criminal mischief and one for driving while prohibited.
Furthermore, almost 550 fines have been issued so far for offenses such as excessive noise, the use of fireworks, stunt driving, and traffic violations.
“The demonstrators were very disruptive and unlawful,” police stated in a statement released on Sunday. “we continue to warn demonstrators to stay away from Ottawa and to return home.”
Also following reports of violence by police last week, GoFundMe stated that it will withhold millions of funds received for the protesting truckers and required donors to fill out a refund request form.
On Monday, however, the crowdfunding platform announced again that “due to donor feedback,” all payments will be immediately refunded within seven to ten working days.
