Rioters have blocked various major roads in Hong Kong since November 11, including Tolo Highway and Tai Po Road in the New Territories, Junction Road in Kowloon and Pok Fu Lam Road in Hong Kong Island, causing serious obstructions in various districts. Objects that pose threats to the safety of the public, such as petrol bombs, bamboo sticks and glass fragments, were found on Tai Po Road. To ensure the safety of road users, Police have worked closely with other government departments to clear obstacles and oil stains off the thoroughfare. Traffic gradually resumed in the following thoroughfares:
 

• Tolo Highway: Traffic resumed on both north and south bounds;
• Tai Po Road: Traffic resumed on both north and south bounds;
• Junction Road: Traffic resumed; 
• Pok Fu Lam Road and Bonham Road: Road clearance almost completed, traffic gradually resumed on both north and south bounds; 
• Tong Ming Street and Tong Chun Street in Tseung Kwan O: Traffic resumed; 
• Tai Po Tai Wo Road: Traffic resumed; and
• Kai Leng Roundabout in Sheung Shui: Traffic resumed.

      
     Police will continue to work closely with other government departments to restore traffic in the territory. Police appeal to members of the public not to hurl hard objects or conduct any illegal act that affects road safety. We advise drivers to stay cautious of the road condition when using the thoroughfares.

     To facilitate the commuting of people living and working in Tai Po District, Shatin District and North District, the Government has arranged the following free transportation services today (November 16):

     – Free ferry service between Wu Kai Sha Public Pier and Tai Po Waterfront Park Pier
     – Free coach service between Tai Po Waterfront Park near Dai King Street Roundabouts and Tai Po Market Station (pick-up point at Uptown Plaza)

     To facilitate the users, the above free transportation services will be extended from the original schedule of 7am to 7pm to 8pm today.

     The Government will continue to provide the above free transportation services tomorrow (November 17). The service hours are from 7am to 8pm.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (November 16) that due to special circumstances which have happened nearby, the tennis courts of Shek Kip Mei Park in Sham Shui Po District; and Tsim Sha Tsui Public Library in Yau Tsim Mong District have been closed to ensure the safety of venue users and staff members.

     Also taking into consideration transportation service disruptions and other circumstances which may happen, all LCSD leisure facilities (except the Islands District) will be closed at 9pm today. While Tung Chung Swimming Pool in the Islands District will be closed at 7pm, other leisure facilities in the Islands District will be closed at 8pm.

     Performance venues will be closed after 6pm or completion of events. Hong Kong Central Library will be closed at 8pm. All museums will stay open until normal closing hours.

     Subject to the situation, more cultural and leisure facilities in the same district and any other district which may be affected will also be closed early and at short notice to ensure the safety of venue users. Members of the public who plan to go to those venues are advised to visit the LCSD website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/index.html) or contact 1823 in advance.

     The Immigration Department (ImmD) announced today (November 16) that as public transport services and some major traffic lines have been seriously affected, all nine Smart Identity Card Replacement Centres (SIDCCs) of the ImmD will be closed at 9pm. Members of the public who have appointments for today may proceed to the SIDCCs at an earlier time today or on later days for identity card replacements and they need not make another appointment. Subject to the actual circumstances of various districts, individual Replacement Centres may close earlier at any time. Before proceeding to Replacement Centres, applicants are advised to browse the latest Government press release, or to call the Replacement Centres during working hours.
 

     Taking into consideration transportation service disruptions, and to ensure the safety of patients and staff members, the Department of Health today (November 16) announced that its methadone clinics with evening services will be closed earlier at 9pm today.

     Please visit the following website for the information of methadone clinics:　www.dh.gov.hk/english/tele/tele_chc/tele_chc_mc.html.