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The Transport Department (TD) announced today (January 22) that to tie in with extended relaxation of restricted zones for taxis for 12 months, new restricted zone permits for taxi owners/drivers will be issued starting on January 28.
A TD spokesman said, "Since the existing restricted zone permits of taxis will expire after January 31, 2015, 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 28 to 30 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 in Admiralty, Cheung Sha Wan, Kwun Tong and Sha Tin from January 28."
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 "7am to 7pm" and "8am to 10am and 5pm 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 decided to extend the relaxation for 12 months, from February 1, 2015, to January 31, 2016. As in the current arrangement, taxis can pick up/drop off passengers in these restriction zones, but waiting will not be allowed.
The spokesman 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 situations. The Police will also take appropriate enforcement action against taxi drivers who do not observe the "pick up, drop-off and go" and "no waiting" rules.
Enquiries about the relaxation and arrangements for permit renewal can be directed to the 1823 Call Centre.
Ends/Thursday, January 22, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:00
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