The Transport Department (TD) announced today (January 23) that to tie in with the relaxation of restricted zones for taxis, new restricted zone permits for taxi owners/drivers will be issued starting January 28.
A TD spokesman said, "The Government announced on December 28, 2018, to progressively carry out works to permanently relax the restrictions on taxis for picking up or setting down passengers in all designated restricted zones on roads with speed limits at 70 kilometres per hour or below (except taxi restricted zones) with the following operation hours:
(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 for a no-stopping restriction erected in restricted zones across the territory. 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.
"Since the existing restricted zone permits of taxis will expire after January 31 this year, taxi owners/drivers are required to replace their existing permits with the new ones. The TD will set up counters at 16 designated LPG refilling stations (see Annex) from January 28 to 30 for the issue of new permits from noon to 6pm daily. Permit renewal services will also be available at the TD's four licensing offices in Admiralty, Cheung Sha Wan, Kwun Tong and Sha Tin from January 28."
The spokesman added that taxi owners/drivers are required to bring along and show their existing permits at these counters to obtain the new ones.
The spokesman 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 also take appropriate enforcement action against taxi drivers who do not observe the "pick up, drop-off and go" and "no waiting" rules.
Enquiries about the relaxation and arrangements for permit renewal can be directed to the 1823 Call Centre.
Follow this news feed: East Asia