In 2024, law firm DLA Piper claimed £727,573.84, which covered multiple claims on behalf of National Highways Ltd. in the United Kingdom, against around 140 protesters who blocked the M25 and surrounding roads in climate protests. That sum was eventually reduced by a judge to £580,000, and a later settlement offer sought about £3,000 from each campaigner to end the case.

Adam Wagner, a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers, said: “You might have a protester who, for the same action, is convicted of a criminal offence, has an injunction taken out against them with the risk of contempt of court proceedings if they breach it, and faces huge costs. It’s like triple jeopardy.”