Transport Department reminds commuters traffic busier around weekend

A Transport Department spokesman reminded commuters today (May 5) 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 Eastern Harbour Tunnel (EHC) toll increase on 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 cross-harbour traffic had generally been normal today but the Transport Department would remain vigilant over the forthcoming days, keep on reviewing its contingency arrangements and make 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 5, from midnight to 8pm, the number of vehicles using the CHT dropped by about 0.4%, which was a decrease of around 417 vehicles and the number of vehicles using the Western Harbour Crossing (WHC) rose by around 4%, which was an increase of about 1,506 vehicles compared with a normal Thursday. Meanwhile, the number of vehicles using the EHC dropped by around 20%, a fall of about 13,369 cars.

The spokesman appealed to the public to continue to:

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

* pay attention to the weather and check traffic situations by listening to radio/TV broadcasts or visiting the department's website before starting their journey;

* allow more time to travel to examination centres to attend public examinations;

* use public transport, particularly 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; and

* be patient and comply with on-site directions by frontline Police officers.

Enquiries may be made by calling 1823.

Ends/Thursday, May 5, 2005