"Get in, quick!": Taxis can pick up and set down passengers in no-stopping restricted zones for three months, as long as they do not obstruct traffic.

The three-month relaxation of general stopping restrictions for taxis will be implemented from this Thursday.   

The Transport Department has issued more than 17,000 permits to taxi drivers since April 26, allowing them to pick up and set down passengers from 8am to 10am, 4pm to 7pm and 7am to 7pm in no-stopping restricted zones during the three-month period.

The permits stipulate that all taxi drivers must observe the "pick-up, drop-off and go" practice, avoid obstructing other road users and comply with the instructions of Police and Traffic Wardens. Failure to observe these conditions could result in prosecution.

Meanwhile, drivers of all motor vehicles should remember that they are prohibited from picking up or setting down passengers or loading and unloading goods within the restricted zones unless they hold permits issued by the Commissioner for Transport.

Motorists are urged to be patient with the minor inconvenience caused by taxi drivers picking up and setting down passengers in restricted zones.

All motorists should drive cautiously and watch out for taxis in front of them that may stop from time to time to pick up and set down passengers in restricted zones.