Protesters Briefly Close Cross Harbour Tunnel

Protesters blocked off the Kowloon side of the Cross Harbour Tunnel for around half an hour on Saturday evening, gathering in large numbers by the toll booths in Hung Hom.

They blocked most of the lanes leading into and out of the tunnel at around 6.30pm.

The protesters dragged traffic cones and metal barriers in front of the toll booths, stopping vehicles that had crossed over from the island from exiting the tunnel.

Many drivers were sounding their horns in anger.

One protester, surnamed Tai, said the move was part of a campaign to urge people to go on strike on Monday.

"Obviously, they [the drivers] will be not so happy, but it is a part of this revolution," he told RTHK.

Traffic on Hong Kong Island was soon being diverted away from the tunnel.

Crowds of further protesters were believed to be heading to the tunnel from Tsim Sha Tsui, including Nathan Road, and Salisbury Road where they had set up barricades.

But by 7pm, the protesters had retreated from the tunnel, after some among them warned that their action was too dangerous.

Many of them said they were heading back to Mong Kok instead.

Workers were soon outside the tunnel in Hung Hom, removing the barricades so it could be reopened, and traffic was flowing again by around 7.30pm.

The police had appealed to protesters to stop the obstruction and respect other people's rights.

In a statement, the force said the protesters had paralysed traffic and seriously affected the work of the emergency services.

It also urged members of the public not to travel to the affected area.

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