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The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) was briefed today (June 22) on the use and benefits of the Tsing Sha Highway since its full commissioning in December 2009.
TAC Chairman Ms Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah said the TAC was pleased to learn that the completion of the Tsing Sha Highway had shortened the journey time between many regions served by the route, and a large proportion of medium/heavy goods vehicles and container vehicles have been diverted to it instead of passing through residential areas. With the Tsing Sha Highway in place, the capacity constraints at Lion Rock Tunnel, Tate's Cairn Tunnel as well as Cheung Tsing Tunnel have also been relieved.
Members were also briefed on the various measures being taken or considered by the Transport Department (TD) to improve existing cycling facilities and to promote cycling safety in Hong Kong.
Measures being pursued include a consultancy study to review the existing cycle track networks in the nine existing new towns with a view to linking up isolated segments, replacement of steel bollards with plastic collapsible bollards which are safer for cyclists, development of a new design guideline for cycle tracks with more user-friendly configurations and provision of additional cycle parking spaces at major transport hubs in the New Territories, etc.
"The TAC recognised and supported the measures undertaken and encouraged the Government to continue its work on promoting cycling safety," Ms Cheng said.
Ends/Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:45
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