Pedestrianisation to become part of Mong Kok life

Pedestrians will be assured of their privilege this Friday (December 15), the day that marks the permanent implementation of the pedestrianisation scheme in Mong Kok.

With effect from December 15, Sai Yeung Choi Street South between Nelson Street and Soy Street will be designated a pedestrian zone between 4 pm and midnight from Mondays to Saturdays (except public holidays).

A spokesman for the Transport Department said that the community was getting more and more aware of the pedestrianisation, and this had been reflected in the popularity of the pedestrian scheme during its trial run in the past few months.

"People generally feel it safe and comfortable walking on vehicle-free streets and the pedestrianisation will surely encourage them to walk more and develop a green life habit," he said.

"In view of the good response from the general public and with the full support of the Yau Tsim Mong District Council, we have slightly adjusted the scheme so as to allow the Sunday pedestrianisation arrangements to be carried out during public holidays also."

Under the Sunday and public holiday arrangements, vehicles will be banned from entering the following pedestrians-only street sections between noon and midnight:

	Tung Choi Street between Argyle Street and Dundas Street (excluding its junction with Shan Tung Street);
	Sai Yeung Choi Street South between Argyle Street and Dundas Street (excluding its junction with Shan Tung Street);
	Nelson Street between Fa Yuen Street and Sai Yeung Choi Street South; and
	Soy Street between Fa Yuen Street and Sai Yeung Choi Street South.

"In this sense, pedestrians find more streets for their own use more often," said the spokesman.

The pedestrian scheme in Mong Kok first set foot as a trial scheme in August this year. It is part of the series of the pedestrian schemes the department has been implementing since last year to provide a better environment for pedestrians and enhance road safety through measures of road closure, traffic management, and pavement widening and paving.

"After the pavements are widened and paved, walking in the bustling central area of Mong Kok will not merely be a safe and comfortable experience, but also a pleasant one," said the spokesman.

End/Wednesday, December 13, 2000