Hong Kong installs HK$5m ‘anti-terrorism’ crash bollards outside Causeway Bay dep’t store

Hong Kong authorities have installed “anti-terrorism” collision bollards outside a department store in Causeway Bay, one of the city’s busiest shopping districts – a project with a HK$5 million price tag.

“Anti-terrorism” traffic bollards in Causeway Bay on November 6, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

The bollards, which were still wrapped in foam sheeting on Thursday morning, were initially proposed in January by the police, the Transport Department, and the Highways Department as part of a counter-terrorism working group.

The provisional budget of HK$5 million also includes maintenance costs for the bollards, according to a document submitted to the Wan Chai District Council. The bollards were planned for installation outside 555 Hennessy Road and along Paterson Street.

“Anti-terrorism” traffic bollards outside Sogo in Causeway Bay on November 6, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

Meeting records show that the working group proposed installing 60 anti-collision bollards, including 43 fixed bollards and 17 retractable ones.

“Sufficient spacing would be left between the bollards so that wheelchairs, baby strollers and stretchers could pass through smoothly without being obstructed,” it said.

Noting that Causeway Bay is a “core business district and tourist area” on Hong Kong Island with heavy foot traffic, the police said that “[i]f vehicles were to ram into crowds at the location, serious casualties could result.”

“Anti-terrorism” traffic bollards in Causeway Bay on November 6, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

“Through these facilities, the most direct physical separation method could be used to effectively prevent vehicles from deliberately ramming into pedestrian areas, thereby minimising the risk of casualties,” it said.

The area outside the Sogo department store historically served as a major gathering zone for protests in Hong Kong, and is a stone’s throw away from Victoria Park, the former site of the city’s Tiananmen Square crackdown vigils.

“Anti-terrorism” traffic bollards outside Sogo in Causeway Bay on November 6, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

In recent years, police officers have maintained a heavy presence around Victoria Park and Causeway Bay on the anniversary of the crackdown on June 4, stopping and detaining activists and individuals who engaged in symbolic acts of mourning.