Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters prepared to make a last stand as police took down tents and barricades around government offices on Thursday.

Police wielding shields cleared roads of obstacles, while others cordoned off protest sites after a final warning from police top brass.

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Student leaders refused to budge and ruled out leaving the area until police arrest them.

The police initiative comes after nearly 3 months of student-led demonstrations, with Beijing refusing to back down from control of the power nomination process for the territory's first leadership election in two years.

Pro-democracy lawmakers plan to take the fight for democracy to the territory's Legislative Council, where they will block an electoral bill without substantial changes.

Meanwile, on the streets, a protester who is a social worker said the protests were a failure because the government did not respond to demands but it was successful in awakening many Hong Kong people on the need for democratic elections.

The protests, which are the biggest affront to China's sovereignty over the former Crown colony, since its handover in 1997, drew tens of thousands of people and led to several skirmishes with police.

Hong Kong lawmaker Claudia Mo said the protests have raised the political consciousness of the younger generation.

"They really see no way out on all kind of fronts - political, social and job wise," said the legislator.

Government workers cleared blocked roads, based on a court order, without opposition from protesters.

Police plan to clear the rest of the roads, though protesters will be allowed to go on with demonstrations at Tamar Park, a police chief superintendent said.

Authorities now have to deal with groups of protesters who engaged in sit-in demonstrations on the roads, which may trigger clashes.

Student leaders said on Wednesday they may seek to pressure government officials for electoral reforms during public consultation meetings.

Chief Secretary Carrie Lam earlier turned down a dialogue with students but she is now willing to talk with representatives during the scheduled public consultation. 

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