Relaxation of Tung Chung Road restriction goes on trial

The period of the existing prohibited zone on Tung Chung Road between Shek Mun Kap Road and South Lantau Road will be shortened on a trial basis from tomorrow (December 16), a spokesman for the Transport Department announced today (December 15).

Under the three-month trial, the prohibition period for all motor vehicles will be shortened from 8 am to 6 pm instead of from 7.30 am to 7 pm under the existing practice.

Only franchised buses, taxis and those with permits issued by the Commissioner for Transport are allowed to use the above road section during the prohibition period.

Vehicles with a gross weight of 5.5 tonnes above will still be banned from using the road.

The spokesman explained that the relaxation was the result of a review carried out by the department to better meet the transport needs of Lantau residents.

He said: "Tung Chung Road, a sub-standard single-lane carriageway, has been designated a prohibited zone to control the flow of traffic.

"We are fully aware of the needs of the Lantau residents. In addition to a number of improvements made to enhance the safety of the road, we also evaluated the Tung Chung Road Prohibited Zone Permit System.

"After taking into account the existing traffic flow on Tung Chung Road, we are of the view that the period of the prohibited zone can be shortened on a trial basis.

"A review on the trial to assess the impact of the relaxation from the road safety viewpoint will be carried out before we can decide the way forward," added the spokesman.

End/Friday, December 15, 2000