Sai Kung pedestrian scheme on trial this Sunday

Visitors as well as local residents of Sai Kung will be benefited from the implementation of a pedestrian trial scheme at Man Nin Street and See Cheung Street, Sai Kung Town this Sunday (January 7).

Announcing details of the scheme at a press briefing today (January 3), Mr Bok Kwok-ming, Senior Engineer of the Transport Department, said: "The Sai Kung pedestrianisation scheme is one of the latest road safety projects implemented by the department"

Under the scheme, See Cheung Street and the section of Man Nin Street between Nin Chun Street and the waterfront in Sai Kung Town will be designated a pedestrian zone from 12 noon to 9 pm on Sundays and public holidays with effect from January 7.

Upon successful implementation of the trial , the zone will be eventually converted into a part-time permanent pedestrians-only street and will be beautified with landscaping works.

Mr Bok said: "Rural Sai Kung is endowed with scenic spots and is known as the 'Leisure Garden of Hong Kong' while Sai Kung Town is growing in popularity in recent years as a seafood centre attracting a large amount of tourists from both local and overseas."

"In this connection, it is necessary to have the pedestrianisation scheme implemented in the district for it will not merely provide pedestrians with a safe and traffic free environment, but also adding more characteristics to the area."

Taking into account of views from local organisations and with the support of the Sai Kung District Council, the department will implement the following major traffic arrangements in the pedestrian zone:

	closure of Man Nin Street (waterfront section) and See Cheung Street to all vehicles;
	re-arrangements of parking spaces in the area;
	relocation of GMB Termini (routes 2, 3, 3A, 4, 4A) from Man Nin Street to Yi Chun Street;
	introduction of one-way gyratory traffic system via Man Nin Street, Nin Chun Street and Yi Chun Street; and
	designation of a loading/unloading area at Nin Chun Street.

" The pedestrian scheme in Sai Kung will also help boost the local business as visitors may find it more easy to stride around freely in the pedestrian area and enjoy their shopping," Mr Bok said.

During the pedestrianisation period, motorists are reminded of observing traffic signs nearby and not driving into the pedestrian area. Illegal parking within the pedestrian area is also prohibited.

Pedestrian schemes were successfully implemented in Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui, Stanley and Mong Kok in 2000.

End/Wednesday, January 3, 2001