Special traffic and transport arrangements for the International Chinese New Year Night Parade
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     The Transport Department today (January 22) reminds people that the International Chinese New Year Night Parade will be held in Tsim Sha Tsui from 8pm on January 26 (Monday). The parade starts at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and travels via Salisbury Road to New World Centre.

     To make way for the parade, a series of temporary traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented in phases in the Tsim Sha Tsui area from 4pm, subject to the actual traffic and crowd conditions. The arrangements are as follows:

* Road closures and traffic diversion will be implemented in the Tsim Sha Tsui area south of Austin Road and Cheong Wan Road. Additional road closures may be implemented depending on the crowd situation. Motorists are advised to pay attention to the traffic signs and directions of the Police.

* Regarding public transport services, about 38 bus routes and seven green minibus routes operating along the closed roads will be temporarily diverted. The concerned public transport operators will arrange publicity to inform passengers of the temporary arrangements.

* All bus stops, public light bus stands, taxi stands, roadside parking spaces and carparks affected by the road closures will be temporarily suspended.

     The Transport Department urges members of the public who intend to go to the affected area to plan their journey early and allow more travelling time to allow for unexpected delays.  Motorists are advised to avoid driving to the affected areas.  In case of traffic congestion, motorists should exercise tolerance and patience, and take heed of instructions given by Police officers on site.  Public transport commuters should pay attention to the route diversions and suspension of stops.

     The Transport Department and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation, and will implement appropriate measures as necessary. The Transport Department appeals to the public to listen to radio broadcasts for the latest traffic conditions.

     Details of the special traffic and transport arrangements are available on the department's website www.td.gov.hk.

Ends/Thursday, January 22, 2009
Issued at HKT 12:23

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