Mayor John Rosenbaum has convened the meeting, concerned about safety issues on the road and the process which saw the signs erected.

The mayor said council erected the signs immediately after receiving a letter from Manning-Great Lakes local area commander Superintendent Peter Thurtell.

“We have a Traffic Committee that meets on a needs basis. Under normal circumstances this matter would come to them and police would make suggestions to council,” Cr Rosenbaum said.

“Council was put in an awkward situation. The letter said the signs needed to be erected immediately or within a week the RMS (Roads and Maritime Service) would be involved.”

Cr Tony Tersteeg said he had serious concerns about the safety of protesters opposed to AGL’s coal seam gas operations in Gloucester who have been using the road.

“This will not stop protesters but will only encourage them to walk,” he said.  

“Imagine scores of people wishing to protest legally being forced to walk kilometres to the site - which I guarantee they will.  

“This will endanger them and I believe it will be only a matter of time (until) an accident occurs."

But Superintendent Thurtell said the signs were erected to protect protesters.

"Fairbairns Lane is a narrow country lane on the southern edge of Gloucester," he said.

"The road is the main vehicle access point to AGL's coal seam gas exploration project site known as the Waukivory Pilot Project.

"The request to Gloucester Shire Council to erect the No Stopping signs was to ensure the safety of protesters and police and to ensure the free flow of traffic including heavy and light vehicles."

Police were among the objectors to a temporary camp ground for protesters on a property on Jacks Rd approved by council two weeks ago. 

Council will workshop the issue tomorrow and Cr Tersteeg has requested the matter be brought to the attention of the Police Minister Stuart Ayres.

“I believe that it this instance the police have done the wrong thing and created a safety hazard,” he said.

“I don’t believe council staff need to be criticised. They’ve done what they were told to do. I have full confidence in them.

“This is a thoughtless decision made without concern for the safety hazard that it has created.”

The Advocate contacted the Minister's office seeking comment on the correct procedures for police when requesting council assistance in a matter and who was responsible for ensuring that all safety considerations had been met when such a request was made as well as who was responsible for policing the No Stopping areas.

A spokesman for the Minister said the issues were operational matters and referred the queries to the Police Media Unit.

Protesters have vowed to continue protest activity along Fairbairns Lane where AGL plans to frack four coal seam gas wells.

Protest group Groundswell Gloucester has already turned the situation to its advantage, using Photoshop to create a ‘No Fracking’ image modelled on the ‘No Stopping’ signs.

Protesters are also planning a 'Stroll-of-Shame' down Fairbairns Lane this Friday at 9am.