*********************************************************
The Transport Department (TD) today (October 17) said that subsequent to the re-opening of more roads previously occupied by protesters, the TD and Police would continue to pay attention to traffic changes in order to carry out effective temporary traffic management measures and give buses priority over the use of road as far as possible. Motorists should follow the instructions of Police while no one should make unauthorised alteration to the road markings and arrangements for the temporary traffic measures to affect road safety.
At an inter-departmental press conference today, the Assistant Commissioner for Transport, Mr Albert Su, said that upon the Police removal of barriers placed on roads by the protesters, Nathan Road (Prince Edward bound) and Argyle Street (Tai Kok Tsui bound) were re-opened, adding that the section of Nathan Road between Argyle Street and Dundas Street (Tsim Sha Tsui bound) , however, was still occupied by protesters and vehicles were diverted to other alternative routes. A total of 72 bus routes can resume to travel on Nathan Road (Prince Edward bound) and Argyle Street (Tai Kok Tsui bound) including full service resumption of 31 routes. Moreover, a total of six Green minibuses routes resumed original services.
On Hong Kong Island, there was serious traffic congestion on Gloucester Road (west bound) this morning since Harcourt Road is still occupied by the protesters. The TD and Police have continued to carry out temporary traffic management measures to relieve traffic. Mr Su stressed that the temporary traffic measures could only alleviate traffic congestion in the short term. Unless the roads being occupied by the protesters could be re-opened, otherwise traffic congestion on Hong Kong Island would go on.
Since the resumed bus services and other road-based public transport services are still affected by the traffic situation, their frequencies and routings have become unstable and have to be adjusted. Members of the public should also pay attention to the TD and bus companies' latest announcement of traffic and transport information. Mr Su reminded the public that during serious traffic congestion, passengers should wait until vehicles had pulled over on roadside before getting off safely.
In view of an event to be held on Chater Road in Central this Sunday, the section of Chater Road from Pedder Street will be temporarily closed for setting up a pedestrian precinct starting from 12.01am on Sunday until midnight. Motorists should pay attention to the arrangements. There will also be a horse race meeting this Sunday in Happy Valley and traffic is expected to be very congested in the vicinity on that day. Motorists are advised not to drive to Hong Kong Island as far as possible.
Regarding public transport services, a total of 194 bus routes are still affected today with eight bus routes suspended and 186 bus routes diverted. A total of 17 Green minibus routes travelling via Harcourt Road and Nathan Road are still diverted, suspended or with service adjusted. Tram services between Percival Street and Victoria Park remains suspended. The MTRCL continues to increase services of all urban lines.
The TD's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will continue to monitor the road traffic situation and transport services. For details of the major traffic and transport arrangements currently implemented, please refer to the TD website (www.td.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, October 17, 2014
Issued at HKT 20:50
NNNN
