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Renewal of taxi permits to tie in with extended relaxation of restricted zones for taxis
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     The Transport Department (TD) announced today (January 20) that following the announcement that the scheme for relaxation of restricted zones for taxis will be extended for 12 months, new restricted zone permits for taxi owners/drivers will be issued starting January 27.

     A TD spokesman said, "Since the existing restricted zone permits of taxis will expire after January 31, 2014, taxi owners/drivers are required to replace their existing permits with the new ones. The TD will set up counters at 17 designated LPG refilling stations (see Annex) from January 27 to January 29, for the issue of new permits from noon to 6pm daily. Permit renewal services will also be available at the TD¡¦s four licensing offices from January 27."

     The spokesman added that taxi owners/drivers are required to bring along and show their existing permits at these counters for obtaining the new ones.

     As the existing relaxation of peak-hour and 7am to 7pm no-stopping restrictions on roads with speed limits less than 70 kilometres per hour for taxis has not caused traffic obstruction on the whole, and can enable taxis to provide better point-to-point service to passengers, the Government earlier decided to extend the relaxation for 12 months, from February 1, 2014 to January 31, 2015. As in the current arrangement, taxis will not be allowed to wait for passengers in these restricted zones.

     He reminded taxi drivers to continue to exercise self-discipline and to strictly observe the "pick up, drop-off and go" and "no waiting" rules. The TD and the Police will closely monitor the implementation situation of this relaxation scheme. If there are violations of the rules causing obstruction to other road users, the Government will consider terminating the relaxation scheme wholly or in part before the expiry of the relaxation.

     The TD and the Police will continue to closely monitor the traffic situation and take appropriate enforcement action against taxi queues which pose serious traffic congestion or safety hazards at junctions and on busy roads.

     Enquiries about the relaxation and arrangements for permit renewal can be directed to the 1823 Call Centre.

Ends/Monday, January 20, 2014
Issued at HKT 12:02

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