The Transport Department (TD) announced today (December 28) that to implement the recommendation of the Public Transport Strategy Study published in June 2017, starting from today, the Government will 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 limit 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 with 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.

     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.

     The Government gazetted today (December 28) the proposed construction of a covered footbridge at the junction of Sham Mong Road and Yen Chow Street West in Sham Shui Po to provide infrastructure necessary to serve the existing and future developments in the vicinity.

     Details of the proposal are set out in the Annex. The plan and the scheme of the works are available for public inspection at the following government offices during office hours:

Central and Western Home Affairs Enquiry Centre,
G/F, Harbour Building,
38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong

Sham Shui Po Home Affairs Enquiry Centre,
G/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices,
303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon

District Lands Office, Kowloon East and Kowloon West,
10/F, Yau Ma Tei Carpark Building,
250 Shanghai Street, Kowloon

     The gazette notice, scheme, plan and location plan will be available at www.thb.gov.hk/eng/psp/publications/transport/gazette/gazette.htm.

     Any person who wishes to object to the works or the use, or both, is required to address to the Secretary for Transport and Housing an objection in writing, which can be submitted via the following means:
 

• By post or by hand to the Transport and Housing Bureau's drop-in box No. 6 located at the entrance on 2/F, East Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong. The box is available for use between 8am and 7pm from Monday to Friday (except public holidays);
• By fax to 2868 4643; or
• By email to gazettethb@thb.gov.hk.

 
     A notice of objection should describe the objector's interest and the manner in which he or she alleges that he or she will be affected by the works or the use. Objectors are requested to provide contact details to facilitate communication. A notice of objection should be delivered to the Secretary for Transport and Housing not later than February 26, 2019.

     The Government gazetted today (December 28) the proposed road works under the Hung Shui Kiu New Development Area Advance Works Phase 2 to cater for the development of the area.

     Details of the proposal are set out in the Annex. The plan and scheme of the works are available for public inspection at the following government offices during office hours:

Central and Western Home Affairs Enquiry Centre,
G/F, Harbour Building,
38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong

Tuen Mun Home Affairs Enquiry Centre,
2/F, Tuen Mun Government Offices,
1 Tuen Hi Road, Tuen Mun, New Territories

District Lands Office, Tuen Mun,
6/F, Tuen Mun Government Offices,
1 Tuen Hi Road, Tuen Mun, New Territories

     The gazette notice, scheme, plan and location plan will be available at www.thb.gov.hk/eng/psp/publications/transport/gazette/gazette.htm.

     Any person who wishes to object to the works or the use, or both, is required to address to the Secretary for Transport and Housing an objection in writing, which can be submitted via the following means:
 

• By post or by hand to the Transport and Housing Bureau's drop-in box No. 6 located at the entrance on 2/F, East Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong. The box is available for use between 8am and 7pm from Monday to Friday (except public holidays);
• By fax to 2868 4643; or
• By email to gazettethb@thb.gov.hk.

     A notice of objection should describe the objector's interest and the manner in which he or she alleges that he or she will be affected by the works or the use. Objectors are requested to provide contact details to facilitate communication. A notice of objection should be delivered to the Secretary for Transport and Housing not later than February 26, 2019.

     The Transport Department (TD) today (December 28) announced that the 38th invitation exercise of the Personalised Vehicle Registration Marks (PVRMs) Scheme will be launched on January 1.
 
     "Starting from January 1, applications are invited under the 38th invitation exercise for the allocation of PVRMs upon sale by auction. Completed application forms should reach the department no later than January 31. If there are more than 1 500 applications, those to be considered will be selected by lot," a TD spokesman said.
 
     Interested persons should complete and submit the application forms (TD569). Those who possess a digital certificate may also make use of the online application service at the GovHK website (www.gov.hk).
 
     Application forms (TD569) and Guidance Notes for Application can be downloaded from the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk) or obtained from the TD's Licensing Offices as well as the Public Enquiry Service Centres of the Home Affairs Department. Completed applications can be put in the drop-in box at any of the TD's Licensing Offices or posted to Vehicle Registration Marks Unit, Transport Department, Room 506-508, 5/F, Harcourt House, 39 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Applications received by mail will be dated by the postmark. No payment of deposit is required at this stage.
 
     Applicants are advised to read carefully the Guidance Notes for details of the scheme before completing the application forms. They can also check whether a proposed PVRM is in compliance with the basic combination requirements by using the online service at the GovHK webpage at www.gov.hk/en/residents/transport/vehicle/onlineservices.htm.
 
     Each applicant may submit only one application in each exercise. If an applicant submits more than one application, none of his/her applications will be processed. Once submitted, the applicant cannot withdraw the application or change the arrangement of the PVRM stated in the application form.
 
     An acknowledgement will immediately be sent to the applicant upon successful submission of online application. Those who submit the applications by TD569 will receive TD's acknowledgement by ordinary post within two weeks after submission. Applicants who do not receive the acknowledgement within this time frame should call the TD hotline on 2804 2600.

     Firing practice will take place at two military sites, namely the San Wai/Tai Ling Firing Range and the Tsing Shan Firing Range, next month (January).
      
     Red flags or red lamps will be hoisted at the firing areas before and during firing practice. For their safety, people are advised not to enter the firing area.
      
     Following are the dates and times for the firing practice sessions in January 2019:
      
San Wai/Tai Ling Firing Range
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Tsing Shan Firing Range
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