Cross-harbour traffic may become more busy

Traffic was generally normal up to 5pm today (May 5), the third working day after the Eastern Harbour Crossing toll increase.

On May 5, from midnight to 3pm, the number of vehicles using the Cross Harbour Tunnel (CHT) had risen by about 0.3%, which was an increase of around 190 vehicles and the number of vehicles using the Western Harbour Crossing (WHC) had risen by around 2.4%, which was an increase of about 550 vehicles. Meanwhile, the number of vehicles using the Eastern Harbour Crossing (EHC) had dropped by around 21%, a fall of about 8,350 cars. The total number of vehicles using the three cross-harbour tunnels dropped by around 6%, a fall of about about 7,600 cars compared with a normal Thursday.

A Transport Department spokesman reminded commuters that traffic was usually busier on Fridays and Saturdays and the department would continue to monitor the traffic situation, especially cross-harbour traffic after the EHC toll increase from May 1.

The department's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre would maintain close communications with the Police Force, franchised bus companies and management companies of tunnels and respond promptly to situations if needed, the spokesman said.

He added that the department would remain vigilant over the coming days, reviewing its contingency arrangements and making necessary adjustments if required.

He stressed that traffic might increase when more goods vehicles gradually resumed their usual services, especially early next week when the Mainland's Golden Week holidays finished.

On May 4, over the 24 hours, the number of vehicles using the CHT dropped by 0.2% (300 fewer vehicles) and WHC rose by 6.7% (2,760 more vehicles), whereas the EHC recorded a 22% drop (16,570 fewer vehicles). The total number of vehicles using the three cross-harbour tunnels dropped by 5.8% (14,000 fewer vehicles), compared with a normal Wednesday.

The department appealed to members of the public to continue to:

* plan their trips early, allow more time for travel and choose the most suitable route;

* pay attention to the weather and check traffic conditions by listening to radio/TV broadcasts or by visiting the Transport Department website before starting their journey;

* allow more time to travel to examination centres when attending public examinations;

* use public transport, in particular the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) and Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR), as far as possible;

* avoid using the CHT during peak hours and use alternate routes when serious congestion along major roads to the CHT occurs;

* be patient and comply with directions given by frontline Police officers.

Members of the public may call 1823 for enquiries.

Ends/Thursday, May 5, 2005