More pedestrian schemes in HK

The vision of the Transport Department is to have more and greater pedestrian schemes implemented in Hong Kong, just like other parts of the world, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Robert Footman, said today (March 9).

Speaking at the opening ceremony of an international forum on the theme of "International Forum on Pedestrianisation - A New Focus in Transport Planning" at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Mr Footman said: " The Transport Department has successfully implemented a number of pedestrian schemes in Causeway Bay, Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui over one year."

He said: "As a result, the air quality and level of service have improved and pedestrians can enjoy a safer environment."

"It is very encouraging that the pedestrian schemes are operating effectively and are well received by both the pedestrians and shop owners."

With the successful experience on the schemes, the government is exploring the feasibility of implementing similar schemes in other areas such as Central, Wan Chai, Jordan and Sham Shui Po.

Unlike European countries, the United States and Australia, pedestrian schemes in these countries have been planned and implemented since the 60s.

Meanwhile, pedestrianisation is recently introduced in Mainland China with encouraging results.

Mr Footman said: " Our roads are built to meet people's needs. Too often in the past, we have not given proper attention to making walking a more pleasant experience and road space and priority have been too much in favour of vehicles."

He said planning and implementation of pedestrian schemes were complex issues since there were substantial commercial, retail and other economic activities to consider.

Subsequently, these activities would generate significant transport needs, for example, delivery of goods; access by public transport and access to car parks.

With this in mind, the government has adopted extensive consultation and a step-by-step approach to convince the affected parties that they can be beneficial.

Turning to the forum, Mr Footman hoped that all those present would have gained something, whether it was a shift of focus in transport planning, or new ideas on how to improve the quality of life for the pedestrians.

Mr Footman said: " The forum has provided us with a very good opportunity not only to share our experience with each other, but also establish a common objective of how to plan better for our pedestrians."

"We have just made a small step on improving the environment of the pedestrians and there is still a long way to go before we can achieve our vision of building a sustainable transport system for the people," he said.

With a view of promoting pedestrian schemes in Hong Kong, TD has organized today's Forum. It will also organise a territory-wide roving exhibition at some popular shopping centres from tomorrow (March 10).

The exhibition panels will be displayed at Times Squares, Causeway Bay, Harbour City, MTR Hong Kong Station, Hollywood Plaza and Immigration Tower sequentially until April 12.

The exhibition is the first of its kind held by the Transport Department in Hong Kong.

Leaflets containing details of pedestrian schemes for Causeway Bay, Central, Wan Chai, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Mong Kok will be distributed during the exhibition.

End/Friday, March 9, 2001