Transport Department to trial Paterson Street rerouting scheme

The Transport Department will implement a trial rerouting scheme at Paterson Street in Causeway Bay to alleviate the noise problems caused by the taxi queue which extends to Kingston Street.

A department spokesman said the scheme, which would be implemented from November 21, would include the following:

	Reverse the traffic flow at Paterson Street (between Gloucester Road and Kingston Street) from northbound to southbound;
	Convert Kingston Street into two-way street;
	Prohibit taxis from Kingston Street entering the taxi stand at Paterson Street. Taxis will have to route via Gloucester Road westbound and turn left to the rerouted section of Paterson Street to the taxi stand;
	No left turn from Gloucester Road northbound (ground level) to Kingston Street for vehicles longer than 7 metres;
	No left turn from rerouted section of Paterson Street to Kingston Street for vehicles longer than 7 metres;
	No left turn from Cleveland Street to Kingston Street for vehicles longer than 7 metres;
	Relocate the bus stop (Routes 2 & A11) from Kingston Street to Gloucester Road (near Victoria Park Mansion); and
	Relocate the cross-harbour taxi stand from existing western kerbside to eastern kerbside of Paterson Street.

"We have conducted an on-site inspection together with representatives of the Wan Chai District Office, the Police, District Councillors, and representatives of residents of the nearby buildings and taxi associations," the spokesman said. "After discussions, we believe that the above traffic re-routing could effectively resolve the noise problems caused by the taxi queue.

"We will distribute leaflets to motorists in the district a few days before implementation of the scheme to explain the details. Motorists are also advised to pay particular attention to the traffic direction signs erected there," he added.

Ends/Wednesday, November 17, 2004