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The Transport Department (TD) today (December 28) reminded the public to take note of the special traffic and transport arrangements to be implemented on New Year's Eve (December 31) to facilitate holiday celebrations. People are urged to make use of public transport services as far as possible to avoid traffic congestion.
Road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented in phases from late afternoon on New Year's Eve in districts including Central, Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui and Hung Hom. Road closure arrangements have already been put in place in the vicinity of Victoria Park for the Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo. Roads in the vicinity of the main shopping and entertainment areas are busier than usual a few days before the holiday. People are advised to make use of public transport, avoid driving to busy areas and stay alert to the latest traffic news.
The TD reminds pedestrians to pay attention to road safety during the festive holiday by observing traffic light signals and walking on the pavement. Pedestrians should be considerate, patient and follow the advice or instructions given by the Police. Motorists are advised to drive with care and patience, especially in busy areas. They should also 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 31.
Some bus and minibus services will be extended or augmented on New Year's Eve. Hong Kong Tramways and the Central to Mid-Levels escalator and walkway system will also provide extended services.
It is expected that many passengers will travel via the land boundary control points during the New Year holiday period. Passengers are advised to plan in advance and make their journeys during non-peak hours. As the waiting time for cross-boundary public transport services may be longer than usual if traffic is busy at the control points, passengers should observe order and heed advice from the Police and on-site staff of the public transport service operators. They 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.
Details of the special traffic and transport arrangements on New Year's Eve are available at the department's website (www.td.gov.hk).
Ends/Monday, December 28, 2015
Issued at HKT 15:33
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