The temporary relaxation of peak-hour clearways and 7am-7pm clearways on roads with speed limits below 70kph for taxis will be extended for another six months. However, no-stopping restrictions for taxis will be re-imposed on identified blackspots.

The temporary relaxation was first introduced in May as a relief measure to help taxis improve business during the SARS period. The relaxation was extended in August until January 31 to facilitate the trade's recovery.

According to surveys and site observations by the Transport Department, the measure has not caused any major traffic congestion or obstruction, but the traffic volume on the busy roads has increased generally and car journey speed has fallen slightly during peak hours. There are also problems with taxis queuing and waiting in some locations.

Taking into account these assessments and the economic improvement, the department has decided to extend the relaxation for another six months.

Appropriate enforcement action will be taken against taxi queues that cause serious traffic congestion or safety hazards, and no-stopping restrictions for taxis will be re-imposed on identified blackspots.

Under this arrangement, taxis will be given a further six-month temporary exemption, from February 1 to July 31 from the restrictions from picking up and setting down passengers at the no-stopping restricted zones concerned. Taxis will be allowed to pick up and set down passengers, but not to wait for passengers at these restricted zones.

Taxi drivers should continue to exercise self-discipline and observe the "pick up, drop-off and go" and "no waiting" rules. If there are violations of traffic rules or obstruction and inconvenience caused to other road users, the Government will consider terminating the temporary relaxation in whole or in part.

The department and Police will monitor the traffic situation and take appropriate enforcement action. Problematic spots such as Garden Road outside Citibank Tower, Paterson Street, Jaffe Road, Pedder Street, Harbour Road outside the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Nathan and Canton Roads will be given particular attention.

The taxi associations have also undertaken to continue reminding their members to strictly comply with the regulations.

As restricted zone permits will expire on January 31, taxi owners and drivers are required to replace them.

The department will issue permits at 12 designated LPG refilling stations from noon to 6pm on January 29 to 31. Permit replacement services will also be available at the department's four Licensing Offices from January 29.