It seems that traffic delays in Sai Kung town could get worse. Last Friday, 28 December, the Transport Department (TD) announced that starting from that day, the Government will progressively permanently relax the restrictions on taxis for picking up or setting down passengers in all designated restricted zones on roads with speed limit at 70 kilometres per hour or below (except taxi restricted zones) with the following operation hours, depending on the location.
(1) 8am to 10am and 5pm to 7pm;
(2) 8am to 10am and 5pm to 8pm;
(3) 7am to 7pm; and
(4) 7am to 8pm.
The Government will progressively install supplementary traffic signs displaying “except taxi pick up or drop off” beneath traffic signs with a no-stopping restriction erected in restricted zones. Accoriding the TD, this will spare the taxi trade the need to renew the restricted zone permits annually. The works are expected to be completed by 2021. Before the completion of the works, the TD will continue to issue restricted zone permits to the taxi trade at the end of January each year.
A spokesman for the TD reminded taxi drivers to continue to exercise self-discipline and to strictly observe the “pick up, drop-off and go” and “no waiting” rules. If there are any violations of the rules causing obstruction to other road users, the Government may consider implementing traffic control measures, including restoring the no-stopping restrictions for taxis at certain road sections.
The TD and the Police will continue to closely monitor the traffic situation. The Police will take appropriate enforcement action against taxi drivers who do not observe the “pick up, drop-off and go” and “no waiting” rules.
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