In respect of protests that may take place tomorrow, the Government today urged the public not to take part in any illegal acts such as blocking roads or interfering with transport facilities which will seriously affect road users.

The Government made the statement today in response to the deteriorating situation of recent protests.

The statement said protests which were organised in the name of expressing demands have intensified illegal and road-blocking acts.

Protesters maliciously committed serious unlawful acts including violent attacks in different districts, assaulting police officers and committing arson.

They further blocked both tunnel tube directions of the Hung Hom Cross-Harbour Tunnel as well as major trunk roads such as Lung Cheung Road yesterday and early this morning, causing serious adverse impacts on the public.

The statement also said the Government is aware some protesters are advocating the public to participate in strikes and blocking roads and public transport tomorrow.

The Government must make it clear that blatant violation of the law, wanton destruction of the public peace and violent attacks on the Police will harm Hong Kong's society, economy and its people's livelihood.

Such acts have already gone far beyond the limits of peaceful and rational protests for which the Government and general public will not condone under any circumstances. Otherwise they will push Hong Kong into a very dangerous situation.

Regarding protests that may take place tomorrow, the Government hopes that while expressing their demands, protesters should abide by the law and respect the rights of others.

The Transport Department's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will continue to closely monitor the road traffic situation and public transport services, and maintain close liaison with the Police, public transport operators and tunnel management operators to co-ordinate and implement relevant traffic and public transport arrangements as soon as possible when roads or railway services are affected.

The department will also release updated traffic information to the public through various channels.

Public transport operators may make suitable adjustments to their services subject to the situation.

The department appeals to the public to pay attention to the latest traffic announcements. They should plan their journey in advance, consider using alternative routes if necessary, start their journey earlier and allow more time for travelling tomorrow.

Motorists are advised to stay alert to road conditions, exercise tolerance and patience, and drive carefully.

The Government also calls on the general public to stand fast at their posts and cherish Hong Kong's hard-earned international financial centre status, stable economic base and diverse and inclusive social environment.

Our economy is suffering from both external headwinds and local social issues, the statement said.

The latest economic data, which is the worst over the past decade, shows that the economy is weakening and the risk of an economic downturn is increasing.

Any large-scale strikes and acts of violence will affect Hong Kong citizens' livelihood and economic activities. This will only undermine further the local economy that is facing downside risks, as well as the confidence of the international community and overseas investors in Hong Kong's society and economy, causing losses and damage to law and order, the economy, people's livelihood, employment and eventually to the detriment of all quarters of society.

The Government also reiterated that the entire civil service has to stay united amidst all the pressure and challenges. This is a difficult moment and government colleagues must act in the overall interest of Hong Kong and work together to uphold the civil service's core values.

The Government's effective operation and provision of public services must not be affected by any personal beliefs to avoid undermining public confidence in the impartial discharge of duties by civil servants.