Relaxation of restricted zones for taxis extended for another 12 months
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     The Transport Department (TD) announced today (January 11) that the relaxation scheme for "peak-hour" and "7am to 7pm" no stopping restrictions (NSR) on roads with speed limits less than 70 kilometres per hour for taxis would be extended for 12 months till January 31, 2013.

     "As the NSR relaxation scheme has not caused any major traffic congestion or obstruction on the whole and facilitates the provision of point-to-point service for taxi passengers, the Government has decided to further extend the relaxation," a TD spokesman said.

     "Taxis will be given a further 12-month exemption from the restrictions for picking up and setting down passengers on roads with the relevant NSR between February 1, 2012 and January 31, 2013. As with the current arrangement, taxis will not be allowed to wait for passengers on roads with these NSR.

     "Taxi drivers should continue to exercise self-discipline and to strictly observe the 'pick up, drop-off and go' and 'no waiting' rules. If there are violations of these rules or obstruction and inconvenience caused to other road users, the Government will consider terminating the relaxation wholly or in part before expiry of the extended period," the spokesman added.

     The TD and the Police will continue to closely monitor the traffic situation and take appropriate enforcement action against taxi queues which pose serious traffic congestion or safety hazards at junctions and on busy roads.

     "Since the existing restricted zone permits of taxis will expire after January 31, 2012, taxi owners/drivers are required to replace their existing permits with the new ones," the spokesman said.

     "The TD will set up counters at 16 designated LPG refilling stations (see Annex) from January 16 to January 18, for the issue of new permits from noon to 6pm daily.  Taxi owners/drivers are required to bring along and show their existing permits at these counters for obtaining the new ones. Permit renewal services will also be available at the TD's four licensing offices from January 16," he added.

     Enquiries about the relaxation and arrangements for permit renewal can be directed to the 1823 Call Centre.

Ends/Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:11

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