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The Transport Department (TD) today (November 9) said that the number of vehicles on roads is rising, motorists are advised to drive with extra care and pedestrians should pay attention to traffic condition to avoid accidents. People are in a hurry to reach their destinations while a number of roads are currently closed due to the occupation movement, but they should still observe road safety.
As the weather is unsettled with occasional rain patches, motorists are urged to reduce speed and to keep a distance between themselves and the vehicle in front. Pedestrians are also advised to take heed of traffic while crossing the roads, particularly at busy junctions or when their view is obstructed. Affected by the occupation movement, impact on traffic and public transport services would be considerable if there are any unforeseen incidents on roads.
Meanwhile, a public procession will be held in Central and Western District this afternoon. Traffic lanes on Queen's Road Central and Queen's Road West will be intermittently closed starting from about 2.30pm. It is anticipated that traffic in Central and Western District will be congested. Actual implementation of the traffic arrangement will be made depending on traffic and crowd conditions in the area. Motorists should drive safely, exercise tolerance and patience, and follow the instructions of the Police.
Regarding public transport services, since today is a public holiday, fewer bus routes are affected than that on a working day. Nonetheless, a total of 141 bus routes are affected today with eight bus routes suspended and 133 bus routes diverted. A total of 20 green minibus routes travelling via Harcourt Road, Nathan Road and Argyle Street are still diverted or suspended or with service adjusted. Currently, the tram service between Percival Street and Paterson Street is still suspended. The MTR Corporation Limited continues to increase services for all urban lines to cope with passenger demand.
The TD's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will continue to monitor the road traffic situation and public transport services. For details of road closure, traffic diversion, suspension and route diversion of green minibus services, please refer to the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk). Regarding temporary traffic arrangements for bus routes, please refer to the following bus companies' websites for details:
For routes of Citybus and New World First Bus: www.nwstbus.com.hk/en/uploadedFiles/OC2014/TAA.htm
For routes of Kowloon Motor Bus: www.kmb.hk/en
As there will be updates on bus services from time to time due to traffic changes, members of the public are advised to pay attention to the latest service arrangements announced by bus companies before starting their journeys.
Ends/Sunday, November 9, 2014
Issued at HKT 11:53
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