Taxis must renew permits for extension of no-stopping zone relaxation

The Transport Department reminds taxi owners/drivers they must obtain new restricted zone permits to be allowed to pick up or set down passengers in no-stopping restricted zones during the extension period of the temporary relaxation, from February 1 until July 31, 2004.

The department announced on January 20 that the temporary relaxation for taxis of peak-hour and 7am-7pm no-stopping restricted zones, on roads with speed limits below 70 kilometres per hour, would be extended for a further six months, until July 31, 2004.

As the existing restricted zone permits expire on January 31, taxi owners/drivers are required to obtain new permits in order to be able to pick up and set down passengers within the restricted zones.

New permits will be issued at counters set up at 12 designated LPG refilling stations (see Annex) from January 29 to January 31, from 12pm to 6pm. Permit replacement services will also be available at the Transport Department's four Licensing Offices from January 29.

Taxi owners/drivers are required to bring their existing permits to exchange for the new permits.

"Taxi drivers are also reminded to 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 traffic rules or obstruction and inconvenience to other road users, the Government will consider terminating the temporary relaxation in whole or in part before the expiry of the extension period," the spokesman added.

For enquiries about the relaxation and the arrangements for permit replacement, please call the Government Hotline, 1823.

Annex

Ends/Wednesday, January 28, 2004