Occupy Central protesters blocking major roads are causing delays to emergency services, fire department officials said today.

During a press briefing on the impact the protest movement has had on the city, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Leung Wai-hung noted that on September 28 and 29, only 60% to 70% of the ambulances in Central could meet the performance pledge - under which ambulances or fire services should be able to arrive at the scene within a response time of 12 minutes.

"I am very worried about the situation. As a provider of emergency services, every second counts. For a fire incident, a one-minute delay will be the difference between a small fire and a big fire. And for those who need medical attention, a one-minute delay means life or death,” Mr Leung said.