A new injunction could see anyone strapping themselves to any object or structure on the country's busiest motorway slapped with a hefty fine, jail time or a combination of both.

The High Court has granted an injunction to National Highways to prevent unlawful protests on the busy orbital motorway.

The injunction specifically names 65 people who were arrested by police during the Just Stop Oil protests.

Earlier this month, protesters targeted part of the motorway near Westerham in Sevenoaks for four days causing major disruptions to drivers and the economy.

The motorway itself is used daily by up to 200,000 vehicles and has been the focus of protest action in the past.

National Highways highlighted the need for an injunction as there were lingering concerns that the motorway remains a target by Just Stop Oil and other protestors for the foreseeable future.

Transport secretary, Mark Harper, said: “The reckless, selfish actions of a small group of protestors has stopped children getting to school, people getting to work, and emergency service workers from their critical work.

“Free speech and lawful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy, but putting peoples safety and livelihoods at risk due to selfish and unlawful protest activity will not be tolerated.”

Sean Martell, National Highways’ head of service delivery in the south East, said: "Millions of people rely on the strategic road network every day and they have a right to expect it to operate as it should.

“Climbing on structures such as gantries is extremely dangerous and we’re committed to doing all we can to prevent a small minority from causing disruption on the network."

The injunction was granted by the Honourable Mr Justice Soole and will remain in place until November 15, 2023, or until the High Court makes any further order.

The new injunction is in addition to another granted on May 9, which covers the M25, the M25 feeder roads and major roads in Kent and around the Port of Dover.