Special traffic and transport arrangements for Christmas and New Year holidays
The Transport Department today (December 20) reminded people to take note of the special traffic and transport arrangements to be implemented during the Christmas and New Year holidays to facilitate holiday celebrations. The public was also urged to make use of public transport services as far as possible to avoid traffic congestion.
A department spokesman said that road closures and traffic diversions will be in effect in phases from the late afternoon on Christmas and New Year's Eve in districts like Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui and Tsim Sha Tsui East. There will also be road closure arrangements in the vicinity of Victoria Park during the Hong Kong Product Expo.
"Motorists are advised to drive with care and patience in these busy areas and should be aware that many parking spaces on the streets will be suspended because of the road closures and traffic diversion arrangements," he said.
He also reminded pedestrians to pay attention to road safety during the festive holidays by observing traffic lights and walking on the footpath. He added that they should be considerate and patient, and follow advice or instructions given by the Police.
The spokesman noted that roads in the vicinity of the main shopping and entertainment areas would likely be busier than usual a few days before the holidays. People are advised to make use of public transport, avoid driving to busy areas and listen to the latest traffic news broadcasts.
"Public transport operators will augment and extend their services to cater for extra demand," he said.
The Mass Transit Railway Island Line, Kwun Tong Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Tseung Kwan O Line, Tung Chung Line, East Rail Line, Ma On Shan Line, West Rail Line and Light Rail Routes 507, 614P, 615P, 705 and 706 will operate around the clock on December 24 and 31. The Disneyland Resort Line will extend service to 3am of the following day.
Some bus and minibus services will be extended or augmented during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Hong Kong Tramways, the Peak Tram and the Central to Mid-Levels escalator and walkway system will also provide extended service while ferry services between Central/Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui will be extended, with additional sailings scheduled.
Those who intend to take the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross boundary shuttle bus or the six Hong Kong-Huanggang cross boundary coach routes during the holidays are reminded to plan their journeys in advance and urged to travel by rail via Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau Control Points as far as possible.
It is expected that many passengers will travel via the Lok Ma Chau Control Point or Shenzhen Bay Port during the holiday period. Passengers are advised to make their journeys during the less busy periods in late morning or early afternoon. The waiting time for the cross boundary bus services may be longer than usual if traffic is busy at the control points, passengers should observe order and heed advice from the on-site staff. They should also keep track of radio/TV broadcasts on traffic conditions.
The Transport Department will closely monitor local and cross-boundary traffic during the holidays and take appropriate action whenever necessary.
Details of special traffic arrangements during Christmas and New Year holidays can be found in the "Traffic Notices" on the department's website (www.td.gov.hk).
Ends/Thursday, December 20, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:54