Shek Wu Hui pedestrian scheme on trial this Sunday

Visitors as well as local residents of Sheung Shui will be benefited from the implementation of a pedestrian trial scheme at San Hong Street and San Kung Street, Shek Wu Hui this Sunday (October 14).

Announcing details of the scheme at a press briefing today (October 12), Mr BOK Kwok-ming, Senior Engineer of the Transport Department, said: "The Shek Wu Hui pedestrian scheme is one of the latest pedestrian projects implemented by the department"

He said: "The scheme will be put on trial for three months. It will become a permanent part-time pedestrians-only street once the trial is proved to be successful. After that, the street will be beautified with landscaping works."

Under the scheme, San Kung Street and the section of San Hong Street between Tsun Fu Street and Fu Hing Street will be designated a pedestrian zone from 11am to 7 pm on Sundays and public holidays with effect from October 14.

Mr Bok said: "Shek Wu Hui is a major shopping area in the old town of Sheung Shui with relatively high pedestrian activities. Roads in Shek Wu Hui were built in the old days with narrow footpath. At a section of San Hong Street there is no footpath at all."

"The pedestrian scheme there will not only provide pedestrians with a safe and traffic free environment, but will also provide an opportunity to retro-fit footpaths at the section of San Hong Street."

Taking account of views from local organisations and the support of the North District Council, the department will implement the following major traffic arrangements in the pedestrian streets:

	close San Kung Street and the middle section of San Hong Street to all vehicles during pedestrian period;
	cancel parking spaces at San Kung Street and San Hong Street and reprovide some along San Shing Avenue;
	widen the footpath by narrowing down the carriageway in the area and designate some loading/unloading bays in the area; and
	lift no stopping restriction on Sundays and public holidays at Fu Hing Street (from San Fat Street to San Hong Street) and San Tsoi Street (from San Fat Street to Fu Hing Street) to facilitate loading/unloading during the pedestrian period.

"With the implementation of the pedestrianised streets, visitors as well as local residents of Shek Wu Hui will find it more easier to stride around freely under a no-cars environment during the pedestrian period. Furthermore, they will also get benefited from the footpaths which are wider than before. " Mr Bok said.

Before concluding the briefing, Mr Bok also reminded all motorists to observe traffic signs erected at the scene and did not drive into the above two streets when pedestrian scheme takes effect.

He said: "Illegal parking within the pedestrian area is strictly prohibited."

End/Friday, October 12, 2001