Police vow to stop airport blockade on Saturday

Police vow to stop airport blockade on Saturday

The police have warned extradition bill protesters against blockading the airport on Saturday and warned that even vehicles going slowly on the roads leading to Chek Lap Kok will be targeted for action by officers.



At their daily briefing, officers said they noted that some drivers had been driving slowly near the airport during last weekend's protests, causing gridlock at some points.



They warned that motorists going too slowly could be prosecuted for careless or even dangerous driving. The latter carries a maximum penalty of three years in jail and a HK$25,000 fine.



An acting senior traffic superintendent, Li Kam-piu, cited the North Lantau Highway as an example where the maximum speed limit is 110 kilometres per hour. If someone is found driving at 30 or 40 kph on that road, it will be suspect, he said.



Li said they also plan to quickly tow away vehicles from the highway in case of breakdowns.



The police said they are determined to help enforce an injunction obtained by authorities against protests outside designated areas and any obstruction of operations at the airport.



Last Sunday, thousands of protesters had turned up at the airport despite the court order, creating transport chaos with train and road links blocked. Some travellers missed their flights while people who arrived in the city had to wait for hours for transport from the airport.



Some protesters even managed to enter the check-in areas despite new security barriers. A deputy airport district commander, Jason Lau, warned against using fake plane tickets to enter the airport.