Traffic may be busier early next week

The Transport Department reminded commuters today (May 6) 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.

He said that the department would continue to monitor the traffic, especially cross-harbour traffic.

"Cross-harbour traffic had generally been normal today, but the Transport Department would remain vigilant, keep on reviewing its contingency arrangements and make necessary adjustments if required. 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 if needed," the spokesman said.

On May 6, from midnight to 8pm, the number of vehicles using the Cross Harbour Tunnel (CHT) dropped by about 0.4%, which was a decrease of around 370 vehicles and the number of vehicles using the Western Harbour Crossing (WHC) dropped by around 0.04%, which was a decrease of about 17 vehicles compared with a normal Friday. Meanwhile, the number of vehicles using the Eastern Harbour Crossing (EHC) dropped by around 21%, a fall of about 14,640 vehicles.

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 the traffic situation by listening to radio/TV broadcasts or by 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/Friday, May 6, 2005