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The Transport Department will implement the first phase of the five-day week initiative from July 1.
A department spokesman stressed that emergency and essential services, including the monitoring of public transport services and traffic conditions by the Emergency Transport Coordination Centre and operation of the control room for Area Traffic Control would continue round the clock.
The spokesman said that office opening hours would be extended by 30 to 60 minutes from Monday to Friday to compensate for the closure on Saturdays. Offices include:
* Transport Department Headquarters (8.30am to 5.45pm)
* Transport Department Regional Office (8.30am to 5.45pm)
* Licensing Offices (9am to 5pm, no lunch break)
* Driving Test Appointment Office (9am to 5pm, no lunch break)
* Driving Test Office and Driving Test Written Test Centre (9am to 5pm)
* Kowloon Bay, To Kwa Wan and Sheung Kwai Chung Vehicle Examination Centres (8.45am to 5pm)
The spokesman added that other public services provided by the Transport Department, including the new Kowloon Bay Vehicle Examination Centre and Driving Test Centres would not be affected.
The spokesman pointed out that most counter services provided at the counters could actually be obtained by post, through ESDlife,or by sending an agent or using the drop-in box.
The application forms for the different types of licences could be obtained either from the department's website or the Home Affairs Department Public Enquiry Service Centres, fuel stations and the department's car parks.
The drop-in boxes at the Licensing Offices were accessible throughout the day, even after office hours on weekdays and on weekends or holidays. For those applications submitted by post, ESD life or drop-in box, the department would return the new licence or required certificates within 10 working days by registered mail.
"Renewal of full driving licences and vehicle licences can be done four months before their expiry and the renewal will be effective from the date of expiry of the existing licence. We encourage members of the public to renew their licences within that period," the Transport Department spokesman said.
The department began extensive publicity on the new working hours and alternative service channels last month by way of radio announcements, distributing posters and flyers, etc.
The public can visit the department's website (http://www.td.gov.hk), call the Government Hotline 1823, the department's hotline 2804 2600 or the department's five-day week dedicated hotline, 1834567, for opening hours and other information.
Ends/Monday, June 19, 2006
Issued at HKT 15:25
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