************************************************************
The Transport Department (TD) today (December 20) reminded the public to take note of special traffic and transport arrangements to be implemented during the Christmas and New Year holidays to facilitate holiday celebrations. People are urged to make use of public transport services as far as possible to avoid traffic congestion.
Road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented in phases from late afternoon on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve in districts including Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui and Tsim Sha Tsui East. Road closure arrangements have already been put in place in the vicinity of Victoria Park during the Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo. Roads in the vicinity of the main shopping and entertainment areas are expected to be busier than usual a few days before the holidays. People are advised to make use of public transport, avoid driving to busy areas and stay alert to the latest traffic news.
The TD reminds pedestrians to pay attention to road safety during the festive holidays by observing traffic lights and walking on the pavement. Pedestrians should be considerate, patient and follow the advice or instructions given by the Police. Motorists are advised to drive with care and patience, especially in busy areas. They should also be aware that on-street parking spaces will be suspended due to road closures and traffic diversion arrangements.
The MTR Island Line, Kwun Tong Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Tseung Kwan O Line, Tung Chung Line, East Rail Line (except to Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau), Ma On Shan Line, West Rail Line and Light Rail Routes 507, 614P, 615P, 705 and 706 will operate around the clock on December 24 and 31.
Some bus and minibus services will be extended or augmented during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Hong Kong Tramways, the Peak Tram and the Central to Mid-Levels escalator and walkway system will also provide extended services. In addition, the ferry service between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui will be extended during Christmas holiday.
The terminus of the cross-boundary coach service between Wan Chai and Huanggang at the Wan Chai Ferry Bus Terminus will be suspended from 9pm until the road closures are lifted. The terminating point of the service will be relocated to Hennessy Road eastbound under O'Brien Road footbridge.
It is expected that many passengers will travel via the land boundary control points during the Christmas and New Year holiday period. Passengers are advised to plan in advance and make their journeys during non-peak hours. As the waiting time for cross-boundary public transport services may be longer than usual if traffic is busy at the control points, passengers should observe order and heed advice from the Police and on-site staff of the public transport operators. They are also advised to keep track of the latest traffic news.
The TD and the Police will closely monitor local and cross-boundary traffic during the holidays and take appropriate action when necessary.
Details of special traffic arrangements during the Christmas and New Year holidays are available at TD's website (www.td.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, December 20, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:55
NNNN
