BUS passengers were told to expect delays as Kill The Bill protesters marched in the city centre. 

The group of “about 40” – considerably fewer than last weekend – walked along the Old Steine after holding a sit-in at Brighton Police Station. 

Two police officers were seen guarding the entrance to the station in John Street as the group of mostly-masked protesters sat down in the road. 

Last weekend, the city centre was “shut down” as a Kill the Bill samba band, along with hundreds of protesters, brought traffic to a halt at the Clock Tower.

Buses on North Street were stuck for more than 30 minutes, forcing some passengers to abandon their journey. 

The Argus: The Clock Tower sit-in last weekendThe Clock Tower sit-in last weekend

This weekend, the group disrupted traffic at bottom of Edward Street’s junction with the Old Steine, following the police station sit-in.

From there, the marchers walked along the St Peter’s Chuch bus lane before reaching The Level.

A spokeswoman for Brighton and Hove Buses apologised for the disruption.

At 3.19pm, she said: “There is currently a protest at the Old Steine heading north along the St Peter's Church bus lane. 

“Customers should expect delays to all London road and Lewes road services.“

The controversial Police, Crime, Sentencing and Court bill looks to increase the maximum penalty for criminal damage of less than £5,000 to a memorial from three months to ten years’ imprisonment, the same maximum sentence for non-sexual child abuse.

It would also grant police additional powers to restrict protests by imposing start and finish times and setting noise limits. These limitations could be applied to a protest involving a single person.

It is these plans in particular that have sparked widespread criticism, with many claiming they represent an infringement on freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest.