Attention to Traffic and Transport Arrangements during Christmas and New Year Holidays Urged

The Transport Department today (December 23) called on the public to pay attention to a series of special traffic and transport arrangements to be implemented during Christmas and New Year holidays to facilitate holiday celebrations. They are advised to make use of public transport services as far as possible to avoid traffic congestion.

A spokesman for the Department said: "Traffic in shopping areas during the period will be busier than usual."

"Moreover, road closures and traffic diversions will take place in districts like Central, Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui. Many parking spaces on the streets will therefore be suspended. It will be much more difficult for the motorists to find parking spaces."

"As public transport operators will strengthen and extend their services to cater for demand, motorists are strongly urged to give up private cars and make use of public transport services."

On the public transport front, services of some bus and minibus routes will be extended or strengthened during Christmas and New Year holidays.

Both Mass Transit Railway (MTR) (Island, Tsuen Wan, Kwung Tong , Tsueng Kwan O and Tung Chung Lines) and Kowloon Cantoon Railway (Hung Hom - Sheung Shui) will provide round-the-clock service on December 24 and 31. Hongkong Tramways, Peak Tram, Light Rail as well as Central to Mid-Levels escalator and walkway system will extend their services.

Ferry services between Central/Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui will be extended and additional sailings will be deployed.

For those who intend to take Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang Cross-boundary shuttle bus during the holiday, the Transport Department reminds passengers that the closing time of the Lok Ma Chau Huangguang boundary crossing is still 12 am. Passengers are advised to travel by rail as far as possible and plan their journeys.

Intending passengers are advised to call the shuttle bus' enquiry hotline 2471 0792 before departing for the Lok Ma Chau terminus.

Transport Department will monitor closely on both local and cross-boundary traffic during the holiday, and prompt action will be taken whenever necessary.

Details of the special traffic arrangements during Christmas are now available from the "Traffic Notices" of the Department's Homepage (http://www.info.gov.hk/td/eng/notice/specialtravel/specialtravel_index.html).

End/Mondy, December 23, 2002.