Mid-Autumn Festival special traffic and transport arrangements
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     The Transport Department (TD) reminded the public today (September 3) that special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented during the period from September 5 to 15 on Hong Kong Island and in the New Territories to facilitate Mid-Autumn Festival activities and the Fire Dragon Dance in Tai Hang.

     To facilitate the holding of the Fire Dragon Dance in Tai Hang on Hong Kong Island, there will be road closures and traffic diversions in Tai Hang from 6pm to 11.59pm daily from September 7 to 9. Parking spaces and taxi stands in the area will be suspended.

     Road closure arrangements will also be implemented in various parts of Hong Kong Island (including Causeway Bay, the Peak, Repulse Bay, Shek O, Stanley, Pok Fu Lam and Aberdeen) and the New Territories (including Tuen Mun, Tsuen Wan and Ma On Shan). Part-time pedestrian schemes and learner driver prohibited zones will be set up. Car parks, roadside parking spaces, taxi stands and public light bus stands will be suspended. The Police may adjust the implementation of road closures and traffic diversions, subject to the prevailing traffic and crowd conditions in the areas.

     For public transport services, there will be extension of operating hours, route diversions and strengthening of services. Details are as follows:

* MTR Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line, Tseung Kwan O Line, Tung Chung Line, East Rail Line (between Hung Hom and Sheung Shui only), West Rail Line and Ma On Shan Line will operate overnight on September 8;

* Some Light Rail routes in the Tuen Mun area and the Tin Shui Wai area will operate overnight on September 8;

* The headway of the Peak Tram service will be adjusted subject to passenger demand;

* The tram service on September 8 will be extended to 3am of the following day. The service from September 7 to 9 will be strengthened subject to passenger demand;

* Extensions of operating hours, provision of special services, route diversions and suspension/relocation of bus stops will be exercised by bus companies on some routes;

* Some green minibus services will be extended and some routes will be diverted; and

* Some ferry services will be enhanced according to passenger demand.

     Members of the public are advised to make use of public transport services so as to avoid traffic congestion and unnecessary delays. Motorists should avoid driving to the affected areas. In case of traffic congestion, they should drive with patience and follow the instructions of the Police on-site.

     The TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and implement appropriate measures as necessary. Motorists and the public are advised to pay attention to the latest traffic news on radio and television.

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

Ends/Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:28

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