Extinction Rebellion are set to protest against new roads which demonstrators say will lead to more deaths by pollution.
The climate change campaigners will unfurl banners on bridges above the M4 tomorrow (Saturday) at junction 11 (A33) and the footbridge at Cutbush Lane.
Reading teacher and XR demonstrator Dani Esposito said she will be at the protest for her three sons.
“I want them to have as good a life as I’ve had. I’ve had the privilege. I’ve had all the benefits and I’ve been very lucky. I just dread and I’m terrified to think what’s down the line for them,” she said.
Read more: The worst fly-tipping areas in Berkshire - find where you live
“We all want a better life for our children, it’s natural for parents to want that and the ultimate duty we have to them is to fight for the environment.”
The Government pledged £27.4 billion for 4000 miles of roads between 2020 and 2025, which XR said will generate more CO2, contradicting climate change goals and lowering air quality.
In December, an inquest determined nine-year-old Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, from London, to be the first in the UK to have air pollution listed on her death certificate.
Extinction Rebellion have called for existing roads to be better maintained rather than new ones built.
Read more: Teenagers banned from McDonalds and Poundland over anti-social behaviour
The banner Ms Esposito will help display tomorrow will read: ‘All new roads go to hell’.
“Reading has got a pollution problem, as has the rest of the UK,” she said.
“We’re just killing ourselves with more roads.”
Research compiled by the Transport Action Network shows that National Highways estimates the extra traffic generated by the Government’s Road Investment Strategy will lead to almost 33 million tonnes of extra carbon emissions.
Extinction Rebellion will carry out the same demonstration again at the same locations again on February 4.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article