Morning peak traffic normal for cross harbour

            "This morning, from 6am to 9am, the number of vehicles using the Cross Harbour Tunnel rose by 4% (600 more vehicles) and the Western Harbour Crossing rose by 4% (210 more vehicles), whereas the Eastern Harbour Crossing recorded a 19% drop (2,100 fewer vehicles), compared with a normal Thursday for the same period."

          The Transport Department is continuing to monitor the cross-harbour traffic and maintain close communications with the Police Force, franchised bus companies and the management companies of the tunnels.

          "On May 4, over the 24 hours, the number of vehicles using the Cross Harbour Tunnel dropped by 0.2% (300 fewer vehicles) and the Western Harbour Crossing rose by 6.7% (2,760 vehicles), whereas the Eastern Harbour Crossing 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