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The Transport Department (TD) today (December 22) reminded the public to take note of the special traffic and transport arrangements to be implemented during the Christmas holidays to facilitate holiday celebrations. Members of the public are urged to make use of public transport services as far as possible to avoid traffic congestion.
Road closures and traffic diversions will be in effect in phases from the late afternoon on Christmas Eve in districts including Central, Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui and Tsim Sha Tsui East. There will also be road closure arrangements in the vicinity of Victoria Park during the Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo. Roads in the vicinity of the main shopping and entertainment areas are expected to be busier than usual a few days before the holidays. Members of the public are advised to make use of public transport, avoid driving to busy areas and stay alert to the latest traffic news broadcasts.
The TD reminded pedestrians to pay attention to road safety during the festive holidays by observing traffic lights and walking on the pavement. Pedestrians should be considerate and patient and follow advice or instructions given by the Police. Motorists are advised to drive with care and patience, especially in these busy areas, and should be aware that on-street parking spaces will be suspended due to road closures and traffic diversion arrangements.
The MTR Island Line, Kwun Tong Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Tseung Kwan O Line, Tung Chung Line, East Rail Line (except to Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau), Ma On Shan Line, West Rail Line and Light Rail Routes 505, 507, 610, 614P, 615P, 706 and 751 will operate around the clock on December 24.
Some bus and minibus services will be extended or augmented during the Christmas holidays. Hong Kong Tramways and the Central to Mid-Levels escalator and walkway system will also provide extended services. In addition, the ferry service between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui will be extended during the Christmas holidays.
Since it is expected that many passengers will travel via the land boundary control points during the holiday period, the TD appealed to the passengers to plan their journeys in advance and make their journeys during non-peak hours. As the waiting time for public transport services may be longer than usual if traffic at the control points is busy, passengers should observe order and heed advice from the on-site Police and staff of the public transport service operators concerned. Passengers are also advised to keep track of the latest traffic news.
The TD and the Police will closely monitor local and cross-boundary traffic during the holidays and take appropriate action whenever necessary.
Ends/Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:30
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