Taxis will be banned from entering East Dam on holidays and during Golden Week starting from 13 September

^{All photos: HK01}

It is reported that the Transport Department and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department have proposed to the Sai Kung District Council that starting from 13 September, all taxis will be prohibited from entering or using Sai Kung’s Man Yee Road between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm on weekends, public holidays and during all Mainland Golden Week periods. In other words, taxis will not be able to enter the area around the East Dam of Sai Kung’s High Island Reservoir. They are allowed to enter during non-restricted hours. The taxi industry is reported to be shocked by the proposed arrangement.

TD and AFCD explained in the proposal that during this year’s May Day Golden Week, a large number of taxis travelled to Man Yee Road, accounting for about 60% to 86% of the total daily vehicle trips, which overwhelmed the the road capacity and posed a safety hazard to other road users. Therefore, the proposal recommended trial optimisation measures to improve traffic congestion and road safety problems in the area.

It also pointed out that Man Yee Road leading to the East Dam area was designed as a maintenance road. Most sections of the road are single-lane, two-way traffic and entry permits are usually required, although taxis do not need to apply to enter.

In recent years, many Mainland tourists have visited Hong Kong for outings, with East Dam being a particularly popular destination. On certain weekends and public holidays, a large number of tourists take taxis to the area, causing severe traffic congestion on Man Yee Road and posing a safety hazard to other road users. The report also notes that the large number of visitors to the area may exceed the carrying capacity of the country park facilities and the natural environment. it noted that during the Labour Day Golden Week, 60% to 86% of vehicles entering East Dam were taxis.

To effectively reduce peak-hour traffic, AFCD plans to implement special vehicle control measures starting from Saturday, 13 September. Taxis will be prohibited from entering or using Man Yee Road between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm on weekends, public holidays, and all mainland Golden Week holidays.

To implement the new arrangement, AFCD will set up a security booth at the entrance of Man Yee Road at Man Yee Au, to prevent taxis and other unauthorised vehicles from entering the road. Taxis can continue to use Man Yee Road at other times without application, as is currently the case.

The proposal points out that visitors to Tung Ba can continue to choose other public transportation options, including franchised buses, franchised minibuses, and taxis to Pak Tam Chung Bus Terminus, from where they can transfer to New Territories Green Minibus Route 9A to East Dam. The Transport Department will monitor passenger demand and strengthen minibus Route 9A and related franchised bus services. The authorities will also optimise and reorganise the parking bay arrangements at Pak Tam Chung Bus Terminus.