Slow-moving tractors and heavy goods vehicles blocked major roads in Northern Ireland on Tuesday. Protests took place on the Sydenham Bypass near Belfast City Airport, Nutts Corner roundabout, Sprucefield, and Ballygawley roundabouts. Vehicles also disrupted the M2, A1, A4, A5, and A6 at Toome. A planned protest on the Westlink did not occur. Police directed vehicles off the Nutts Corner roundabout.

The protests addressed high fuel costs. Police issued fixed penalty notices to drivers for road traffic offences and cautioned individuals for public order offences. Chief Superintendent Norman Haslett said police aimed to minimise disruption to the strategic road network and critical infrastructure while preventing escalation.

Farmers who drove tractors on the Sydenham Bypass received penalty points for careless driving. Sam Hanna, a farmer from Ballygowan, said police visited his home that evening to issue the penalty. He refused to accept the points and plans to contest them in court. A relative of Hanna who participated received a similar police visit.

A PSNI spokesperson said police are aware of online posters calling for protests at Tesco distribution centres on Boucher Road, Belfast International Airport, and oil terminals in Belfast Docks on Friday, April 24. Police are preparing a response to ensure public safety and minimise disruption.

DUP MP Gregory Campbell raised the protests at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday. He told Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer that more protests are organised for next week and urged quick action on high fuel costs affecting businesses, consumers, and families.

Starmer said fuel duty is frozen until September and noted recent measures for heating oil in Northern Ireland. Alliance MP Sorcha Eastwood said her Lagan Valley constituents feel let down by the government and called for changes to economic and fiscal policy.