NSR relaxation scheme for taxi extended for 12 months
The scheme on relaxation of peak-hour clearways and 7am to 7pm clearways on roads with speed limits less than 70 kilometres per hour for taxis will be extended for a further period of 12 months to January 31, 2008, the Transport Department announced today (January 12).
A department spokesman said the scheme was first introduced in May, 2003. As it has not caused any major traffic congestion or obstruction on the whole and will facilitate taxis to provide point-to-point service to passengers, the Government decided to further extend the relaxation.
"Taxis will be given a further 12-month exemption, from February 1, 2007, to January 31, 2008, from the restrictions for picking up and setting down passengers at the no stopping restricted (NSR) zones concerned. As per the current arrangement, taxis will not be allowed to wait for passengers at these NSR zones," the spokesman said.
"Taxi drivers should continue to exercise self discipline and to strictly observe the 'pick up, drop-off and go' and 'no waiting' rules. If there are violations of these rules or obstruction and inconvenience are caused to other road users, the Government will consider terminating the relaxation in whole or in part before expiry of the extended period."
The department and the Police will continue to monitor the traffic situations and take appropriate enforcement action against taxi queues that pose serious traffic congestion or safety hazards at junctions and on busy roads.
"Since the existing restricted zone permits of taxis will expire after January 31, 2007, taxi owners/drivers are required to replace their existing permits," the spokesman said.
The department will set up counters for the issue of new permits at 13 designated LPG refilling stations (see Annex) from January 22 to January 24 from noon to 6pm. "Taxi owners/drivers are required to bring along and show their existing permits at the above counters to obtain the new permits. Permit renewal services will also be made available at the department's four licensing Offices from January 22."
Enquiries about the relaxation and arrangement on permit renewal can be directed to Government Hotline at 1823.
Ends/Friday, January 12, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:11
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