Tourists overwhelm the current transport options Photos: HK01
The East Dam of the High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung is a core attraction of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, has become a must-see destination for local and mainland Chinese tourists in recent years. However, during holidays, heavy crowds have created significant traffic congestion, with some illegal taxi drivers taking advantage of the situation to charge exorbitant fares, with prices as high as HK$450 for a 10-kilometre journey. The Hong Kong SAR Government’s Transport Department and Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department had originally planned to implement special vehicle restrictions starting today (13/9), prohibiting taxis from entering Sai Kung’s High Island Road between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm. on weekends, public holidays, and during Mainland China’s Golden Week holiday, and strengthening minibus services. However, Transport Department have announced that after discussions with the taxi industry, implementation of the planned ban would be delayed.
In response to media inquiries on Thursday (11/9), a spokesperson for the SAR government stated that to ensure sustainable green tourism development and a quality visitor experience in country parks, the government is exploring various feasible measures to optimise the management of Sai Kung East Country Park and traffic arrangements at the East Dam of High Island Reservoir. The spokesperson added that relevant departments consulted the Sai Kung District Council, the transport industry, and relevant community members in mid-last month. The government is currently analysing the feedback received and plans to invite stakeholders to conduct a field visit to the site during the National Day Golden Week holiday in Mainland China to observe crowd flow and traffic conditions. Sai Kung Councillor Lee Sai-wing stated that he had received feedback from numerous local villagers that the proposed restriction on taxi access to Man Yee Road in Sai Kung was too broad, severely impacting essential needs such as access to healthcare for the elderly and shopping for locals. It would also affect access for clients and staff at facilities such as the Chong Hing Water Sports Centre under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. He expressed his satisfaction with the government’s decision to postpone the implementation of the measure after carefully listening to his and the taxi industry’s views during the consultation period. He also urged the authorities to maintain close communication with the villagers and the industry.
Lee added that he hopes government departments will draw on the successful experience of this year’s May Day holiday. For example, the Transport Department could communicate with the operator of minibus route 9A in advance to adjust staffing and increase service frequency based on passenger flow forecasts. He also hopes that enforcement departments will strengthen their efforts to help maintain traffic order at the East Dam entrance and key sections along the route. He also suggested introducing electric sightseeing buses, allowing taxis to enter the pavilions at Man Yee Au and MacLehose Trail Section 1, and then shuttle passengers to East Dam. He believes this will help alleviate traffic congestion in the long term.
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