************************************************************
The Transport Department (TD) announced today (January 16) that the scheme on relaxation of peak-hour clearways and 7am to 7pm clearways on roads with speed limits less than 70 kilometres per hour for taxis would be extended for 12 months up to January 31, 2010.
A TD spokesman said, "The scheme was first introduced in May 2003. As it has not caused any major traffic congestion or obstruction on the whole and will facilitate taxis to provide point-to-point service to passengers, the Government decided to further extend the relaxation.
"Taxis will be given a further 12-month exemption, from February 1, 2009, to January 31, 2010, from the restrictions for picking up and setting down passengers at the no stopping restricted (NSR) zones concerned. As in the current arrangement, taxis will not be allowed to wait for passengers at these NSR zones.
"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 situations and take appropriate 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, 2009, taxi owners/drivers are required to replace their existing permits with the new ones," the spokesman said.
"The TD will set up counters at 13 designated LPG refilling stations (see Annex) from January 21 to January 23, for the issue of new permits from noon to 6pm daily. Taxi owners/drivers are required to 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 21," he added.
Enquiries about the relaxation and arrangements for permit renewal can be directed to the 1823 Call Centre.
Ends/Friday, January 16, 2009
Issued at HKT 11:01
NNNN
