Police in Northern Ireland are preparing a response to planned fuel protests set for Friday afternoon. Chief Superintendent Norman Haslett stated that officers aim to ensure public safety and limit disruption to the community.

Protests are scheduled for 4pm on April 24 at locations including Belfast International Airport, supermarket distribution centres, sea ports, Belfast Docks oil terminals, and other sites. Social media posts promote these events following last week's actions.

Haslett noted that rights to free speech and assembly allow peaceful protests but require balancing against public health, safety, daily life, and crime prevention. He stressed that vehicle protests must account for other road users, especially emergency services and transport at hubs like airports, railway stations, and bus stations.

The PSNI will use an approach of engage, explain, encourage, and enforce if needed after assessing rights. Fixed penalty notices can be contested in court. Organisers of vehicle processions must follow the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 and Parades Commission code.

On April 14, slow-moving convoys of tractors and vehicles operated in Belfast and other areas to protest energy costs. Police issued nine fixed penalty notices during that operation.

EasyJet issued a warning to passengers for Belfast International Airport. A spokesperson advised allowing extra time for road travel due to potential protests affecting access. The airline noted that flights and operations continue normally.