Several hundred activists from climate campaign group Extinction Rebellion blocked the Amsterdam A10 ring road shortly after midday on Saturday, calling on financial services group ING to stop investing in fossil fuels.

Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema had banned the demonstration from taking place, saying it would be both dangerous and irresponsible to close off the road. The protestors crossed on to the highway next to the former ING offices, where the A4 meets the A10 and the speed limit is 100 kph.

Traffic is being diverted via the A9 and some public transport services have also been shifted. The demonstrators have said they will allow the emergency services through. The blockade is taking place next to the slip road to the VU university hospital.

By 1.30 pm, some activists were sitting on the motorway, waiting to be arrested, the Parool said. There was a heavy police presence and the protestors had been urged to leave the road.

The priority is “public safety and allowing the emergency services through without hindrance,” the city council said in a statement.

ING said earlier this month it plans to phase out the financing of upstream oil and gas activities by 2040 and triple new financing for renewable energy by 2025.