A protester climbed up a tripod at Balcombe - causing drivers travelling along the 60mph to swerve around it. The B2036 London Road is currently closed, causing serious traffic disruption in the area.
A Sussex Police spokesman said: "The tripod was erected in the middle of the road outside the Cuadrilla drilling site at about 8.10am on Thursday and the man climbed it.
"Traffic was still flowing freely on the 60mph road at the time and drivers had to take avoiding action, adding an extra hazard to the tented community that is encamped on the verges at the site."
Superintendent Lawrence Hobbs said: "Closure of the road is adding miles to people's journeys, affecting residents, businesses and included three coaches that were delayed in picking up around 60 pupils waiting to be taken to school.
"We anticipate that the man will be down shortly and he will be arrested. We will then get the road re-opened just as soon as it is safe to do so.
"I would urge protesters to do so peacefully. The level of disruption that is being caused to the local community by this sort of criminal protest is completely unacceptable."
Did you get stuck in the tripod traffic? Email Anna Roberts.
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