Pedestrian Scheme Study Phase II commenced

The Transport Department today (May 31) commenced the second phase of a study to identify potential streets in Central, Wan Chai, Jordan and Sham Shui Po for pedestrianisation.

Areas under the Study are as follows:

	Central: bounded by Connaught Road Central, Ice House Street, Wyndham Street, Caine Road, Aberdeen Street and Jubilee Street.
	Wan Chai: bounded by Arsenal Street, Gloucester Road, Tonnochy Road and Johnston Road;
	Jordan: bounded by Austin Road, Canton Road, Ferry Street, Kansu Road, Gascoigne Road and Jordon Raod
	Sham Shui Po: bounded by Boundary Street, Lai Chi Kok Road, Tonkin Street, Po On Road and Tai Po Road;

Announcing details of the Study, a Transport Department spokesman said the Study was to gather information on the public demand on the pedestrianisation and the land use on the streets concerned.

"We will examine carefully the existing street condition to find out the traffic and pedestrian flow, the capacity of available pedestrian facilities and the availability of viable traffic diversion routes, and we will assess traffic implications as well," said the spokesman.

"Impacts on the environment and amenities in the neighbourhood and the needs of occupants in the residential, commercial and retail units in the vicinity will also be considered."

A draft report on the $1.3 million Study will be completed by the end of this year and the department will consult relevant District Councils over the findings and suggestions made in the Study.

Phase one of the Study which covered bustling streets in Causeway Bay, Mongkok, and Tsim Sha Tsui was conducted in May 1999 and full-time and part-time pedestrianisation schemes are being implemented since April this year.

"Pedestrianisation helps separate pedestrians from vehicles and it provides a pleasant and safe environment for the latter," said the spokesman.

"Our observation shows that pedestrian schemes are well received by people of Hong Kong, and we are committed to identifying more streets and carry out both traffic and pedestrian measures to make them pleasant and safe as well."

End/Wednesday, May 31, 2000

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