More measures to improve traffic and pedestrian environment of Russell Street

Pedestrians will find Russell Street (near the Times Square) a more comfortable place to go after the traffic calming measures such as the prohibition of vehicle entry, provision of no-stopping zone and traffic diversion are implemented from February 27, 2001 and landscaping measures such as pavement widening, colour paving and the provision of speed tables are implemented later this year.

Aiming at improving the pedestrian environment, the traffic calming and landscaping measures are part of the Traffic Management Scheme around Times Square that has been introduced by the Transport Department since April 1999.

Starting from February 27, all vehicles except taxis will not be allowed to enter Russell Street from Matheson Street between 12 noon and 12 midnight daily. They may instead make use of Percival Street and Sharp Street East to gain access to Canal Road East.

A no-stopping zone for all vehicles from noon to mid-night will be provided on Russell Street (near its junction with Matheson Street) and a loading/unloading area for private cars on Sharp Street East (between Canal Road East and Matheson Street).

A spokesman for the Transport Department said that the above measures would serve to reduce the traffic flow on Russell Street where there were 15,000 pedestrians during a peak hour.

"Together with the other section of Russell Street (between Lee Garden Road and Percival Street), Kai Chiu Road, Lee Garden Road and Jardines Crescent which are involved in the pedestrian scheme in Causeway Bay, pedestrians will have a much easier access among streets in one of the busiest areas in Causeway Bay," added the spokesman.

"Our observations show that both traffic management measures and pedestrianisation scheme have positive significance on both the traffic condition and pedestrian environment in the areas."

"We will closely monitor the implementation of the traffic measures and further improvements will be made whenever necessary."

End/Tuesday, February 20, 2001