No-stopping relaxation scheme for taxi extended for 12 months

The Transport Department announced today (January 8) that the scheme on relaxation of peak-hour clearways and 7am - 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 up to January 31, 2006.

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 allow 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, 2005 to January 31, 2006, from the restrictions on picking up and setting down passengers at no-stopping restricted zones concerned. As with the current arrangement, taxis will not be allowed to wait for passengers at these no-stopping restricted zones."

"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 traffic rules or obstruction and inconvenience are caused to other road users, the Government will consider terminating the relaxation in whole or in part before the expiry of the extended period," the spokesman added.

The Transport Department and the Police will continue to monitor the traffic situation closely and take appropriate enforcement action against taxi queues which 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, 2005, taxi owners/drivers are required to replace their existing permits with the new ones. The department will announce the details of the permit renewal arrangements soon.

Enquiries about the relaxation can be directed to the Government Hotline at 1823.

Ends/Saturday, January 8, 2005