Special transport arrangements for fireworks display on July 1

Road closures and traffic diversions involving roads on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon, as well as over 120 bus and minibus routes will be implemented next Monday (July 1) to facilitate the fireworks display marking the fifth anniversary of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

A Transport Department (TD) spokesman today (June 29) reminded members of the public to plan early for their journeys to avoid delay caused by road closures and route diversions starting from the afternoon on that day. He added that parking spaces; bus, minibus and taxi stops on the road sections concerned would be temporarily suspended.

"We will be closely monitoring the traffic situation on July 1 and will make adjustments whenever necessary," the spokesman said.

Road closures on Hong Kong Island will be implemented from 7 pm on the Peak, as well as in Central and Wan Chai until it is safe to re-open the roads to normal vehicular traffic. Traffic on Island Eastern Corridor between Man Hong Street and Victoria Park Road will be held during fireworks display to prevent accident hazard from motorists watching the display while driving.

In Kowloon, road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented in five stages starting from 4 pm, 6.30 pm, 7 pm, 7.15 pm and 8 pm respectively. The major affected area is the vicinity of Tsim Sha Tsui.

On arrangements for public transport services, Mass Transit Railway will strengthen its services of Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line and that between Hong Kong and Tsing Yi stations of Tung Chung Line between 6 pm and 10.30 pm. Kowloon-Canton Railway services between Hung Hom and Sheung Shui will also be strengthened from 8.30 pm to 10 pm. Light Rail Transit will maintain normal Sunday service.

Hongkong Tramways Limited will maintain normal public holiday services, and service frequency of peak tram will be strengthened to meet passenger demand if needed. Services of Central to Mid-levels Escalator and Walkway System on July 1 will be extended to 1 am on the following morning.

New World First Ferry Services Ltd., The "Star" Ferry Company Ltd., Discovery Bay Transportation Services Ltd. and Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry Ltd. will either alter their service schedule or cancel some sailings to facilitate the fireworks display.

The spokesman said: "Police will implement the road closures, traffic and public transport diversions depending on conditions in the relevant areas. Strict enforcements, including multiple ticketing and towing, will be taken by Police in the affected areas."

Members of the public can note details of special traffic and transport arrangements from TD homepage http://www.info.gov.hk/td/eng/notice/specialtravel /specialtravel_index.html

End/Saturday, June 29, 2002