Transport Department ready for Equestrian Events (with video)

     The Transport Department had worked closely with the Police and the Equestrian Company to prepare traffic and transport arrangements in Sha Tin, North and Tsim Sha Tsui districts for the Olympic Equestrian Events, Assistant Commissioner for Transport/New Territories Miss Cindy Law said in a press briefing today (August 6).

     "The department's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre (ETCC) will operate under the Joint Steering Mode and work in co-operation with the Police, public transport operators and other relevant parties to closely monitor the traffic and transport situation during the Equestrian Events period. Contingency traffic control measures will be implemented together with the Police if necessary," Miss Law said.

     She said special traffic arrangements, including road closures, would be implemented on the roads near the venues to maintain smooth traffic flow while minimising the inconvenience to the public.

     "However, the pedestrian and traffic flow near University Station, Fanling Station, the venues and Tsim Sha Tsui will be extremely high before and after the events. People should make use of the public transport services and avoid going to the affected areas."

     If driving is unavoidable, motorists were advised to plan their driving routes carefully, use alternative routes and allow more time to cater for unexpected delays.

     Miss Law appealed for the public's understanding, co-operation and tolerance on any inconvenience that might be caused by road closures, traffic diversions and management measures in Sha Tin, North and Tsim Sha Tsui districts.

     Spectators heading for the venues were encouraged to use rail and interchange with the free shuttle bus services provided by the Equestrian Company at University or Fanling Stations.  Taxis, private cars and coaches would be prohibited from directly accessing the venues.

     To facilitate the security screening at the venues, spectators were also advised to arrive early, preferably around two hours before the events.

     The operation hours of MTR East Rail Line, Kwun Tong Line and Tsuen Wan Line would be advanced or extended to match the starting and finishing times of the events.  Details of the service adjustment can be found on MTRCL website (www.mtr.com.hk) or via its hotline at 2881 8888.

     Miss Law said if the scheduled event was delayed or postponed due to inclement weather or other unexpected situations, the implementation of the special traffic and transport arrangements would be adjusted accordingly.

     People are advised to watch out for the latest traffic and transport news broadcast via TV and radio stations.

     They can also find the latest updates on the Transport Department's website at www.td.gov.hk or call its hotline 2804 2600.  The Equestrian Company's hotline at 2107 9955 and its website at www.equestrian2008.org would also be updated with more information.

     The major traffic and transport arrangements to be implemented in Sha Tin, North and Tsim Sha Tsui districts are summarised in the Annex.

     Also attending the press briefing today were Chief Traffic Engineer/New Territories East of the Transport Department Mr Ambrose Cheong; Chief Inspector (Development) Police Traffic Branch Headquarters Mr Leung Yan-kit; and Senior Manager of the Equestrian Company Mr Keith Chau.

Ends/Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:21

Webcast:

- Windows Media format: Floor

- Real Media format: Floor

Attachments: Special Traffic and Transport Arrangements for the Olympic Equestrian Events