Police to shut down public transport, block CBD, to prevent anti-lockdown protest

Victoria’s public transport system will not enter Melbourne’s CBD between 8am and 2pm on Saturday.

Victoria Police has taken the action to suspended public transport in response to a planned anti-lockdown protest in the CBD.

They are concerned about the number of people expected to attend in defiance of the state’s lockdown restrictions.

There are also concerns about violence.

Chief Police Commissioner Shane Patton warned people they would be fined more than $5000 if they come into the city to protest.

Buses will bypass the city, while trams and trains won’t run to the CBD.

Barricades, traffic locks and roving police patrols are also expected.

“We will doing everything we can to prevent access to the city,” Chief Commissioner Patton said.

He said police were aware it would cause significant inconvenience to essential workers but police had been left with little choice.