Full-time pedestrian scheme at Paterson Street implemented

Members of the public will be refreshed with the newly completed streetscape work of Paterson Street when they walk up there for window-shopping.

Speaking at an opening ceremony marking the completion of the project at Paterson Street today (June 21), Commissioner for Transport, Mr Robert Footman, said: " It is very encouraging that Paterson Street, one of the busiest streets in the heart of Causeway Bay, will become a major landmark with the completion of the beautification work."

He said: "Two years ago, no one will talk about, or even think about, closing a busy street in Causeway Bay for pedestrians because it is too difficult to do so in such a congested area.

"But now, pedestrianisation has been added to the vocabulary of most citizens in Hong Kong. Also they feel enthusiastic about the pedestrian schemes implemented in Causeway Bay, Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui and Stanley and are anxious to know where the next scheme will be.

"Pedestrian schemes have become very popular nowadays because they not only improve pedestrian safety and environment, but also reduce air pollution. Moreover, they can help enhance walking as a transport mode.

"What is more, the schemes will improve environmental hygiene and discourage access for non-essential vehicles. As a result, our city will become more attractive."

Citing Russell Street, Causeway Bay as a good example, Mr Footman said the street where the first full-time pedestrian street was implemented in April last year is widely welcomed by the public. Furthermore, it has enhanced the image of Causeway Bay.

Back to the pedestrian scheme at Paterson Street, Mr Footman said a full-time pedestrian scheme on trial was introduced in February 2000 at a section of Paterson Street between Yee Wo Street and Great George Street. With the support of the Wan Chai District Council and local organizations, the scheme has eventually become permanent from September.

In pedestrianisation, there are three modes of pedestrian schemes: full-time pedestrian streets, part-time pedestrian streets, and traffic calming streets.

In full-time pedestrian streets, pedestrians have absolute priority and vehicular access is restricted to emergency services only while in part-time pedestrian streets vehicular access is not allowed in specific periods, typically between 4 pm and 12 midnight. In traffic calming streets, footpaths are widened and there is no restriction to vehicular access.

On the coming pedestrian projects, the Transport Department is planning to expand the pedestrian improvement schemes in Causeway Bay including Great George Street, Pak Sha Road, Lee Garden Road and Yun Ping Road.

Mr Footman also thanked the District Councils and District Offices for their support and those who had helped to turn the schemes into reality when addressing the ceremony.

End/Thursday, June 21, 2001