Extinction Rebellion activists reveal sign over A27 this morning

Cars honked their horns as members of Extinction Rebellion sent a bold message to motorists on the A27 this morning.

They demand an end to fossil fuel consumption (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

The climate activist group opened up two banners from a footbridge in Falmer at around 8.45am.

A team of four was on hand to attach the two fabric signs, several metres in length, to the handrails on the footbridge. 

The banners said "Join the rebellion" and "no new fossil fuels".

Rachel Foggitt, a member of Extinction Rebellion who unveiled the banner, said: "We get that most people's lives are set up where they have to use their cars but we're trying to get the system to change so everyone can live a better way of life, where we don't depend on fossil fuels or cars."

It was displayed prominently above a footbridge in Falmer (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

Rachel, a social worker from Brighton, said it would be "wonderful" if she didn't have to put up another banner above the road but said a lot of work has to be done first.

"We are putting ourselves at risk from all the pollution by being up here today, with all the cars releasing fumes and particulates," she said.

Rachel, 56, said: "Most of the horns beeping come with a friendly wave or a thumbs up, which surprises me in a good way."

Rachel preparing the banner (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

She stressed the importance of safety when taking action like this, to make sure debris doesn't fall into the road and drivers are not too distracted.

"We risk assess the weather, so if it's windy or wet we don't put them up," she said.

"We're super cautious and we're mindful not to drop anything on to cars. The last thing we want is to cause harm when our whole ethos is minimising harm in the future."

Highways England has been approached for comment.