Commissioner's letter to pedestrians

The Commissioner for Transport, Mr Robert Footman,appeals to the public for their views on a better pedestrian environment while sharing his views with them by posting a letter on the homepage of the Transport Department at http://www.td.gov.hk/ today (October 14).

The letter, addressed to pedestrians at large, is the first of a series Mr Footman intends to write to different target groups in the coming months to explain to them the policy and work of the Transport Department and to share his personal views as well.

Mr Footman said he himself is a pedestrian, and to make walking a pleasant experience, proper attention should be given to factors that help achieve it.

Enhanced road safety for pedestrians and the overall improvement of our environment are the two objectives with which the Transport Department set off to help pedestrians realise their dream of a pleasant journey, said Mr Footman.

The introduction of pedestrian schemes at target sites is a measure that attains both objectives.

Mr Footman said that the design of pedestrian schemes was a complex issue which involved interest of different groups in society and the Transport Department had to be careful to work out viable measures.

"Therefore, different types of pedestrian schemes are designed to suit local conditions:

* Full-time pedestrian streets whereby the streets will be closed to vehicular traffic throughout the day except for emergency vehicles.

* Part-time pedestrian streets whereby vehicular traffic will only be permitted during certain hours of the day mainly for deliveries.

* Traffic calming streets whereby vehicular traffic will not be restricted, but traffic calming measures will be introduced to reduce traffic flow and speed, footpaths will be widened to improve pedestrian circulation, and laybys will be provided to regulate kerb-side activities."

Mr Footman said that the department understood some people had different views over the schemes and had decided to adopt a step-by-step approach.

"We work closely with the District Councils, local shop owners and other trades to come up with win-win solutions. We conduct trial schemes to test the traffic arrangements and make modifications as required before the schemes became permanent," he said.

"A number of pedestrian schemes have been implemented in Causeway Bay, Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui. We received very encouraging responses from both the pedestrians and the shop owners. Pedestrians are now able to stride around freely in the pedestrian streets and enjoy their shopping. Shop owners reported growth in their sales."

As for the future development, Mr Footman said that the department was currently exploring the feasibility of implementing similar schemes in other areas such as Central, Wan Chai, Jordan and Sham Shui Po.

The Commissioner for Transport is inviting the public to give their views on how to improve the quality of life in Hong Kong for all.

End/Saturday, October 14, 2000