The temporary relaxation of peak-hour clearways and 7am-7pm clearways, on roads with speed limits of less than 70 kilometres per hour for taxis will be extended for another six months, to January 31, the Transport Department announced today.

The temporary relaxation was introduced in May 2003 and subsequently extended twice to July 31, 2004, to help the taxi business during the economic recovery.

Since the temporary measure has not caused any major traffic congestion or obstruction on the whole and has helped improve the taxi operating environment, the Government has decided to extend it another six months from August 1.

Under this arrangement, taxis will be exempted from the restrictions for picking up and setting down passengers at the no-stopping restricted zones.

They will be allowed to pick up and set down passengers, but not to wait for passengers at these restricted zones.

Taxi drivers must strictly observe rules

The Transport Department said taxi drivers should continue to exercise self discipline and to observe strictly 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 before expiry of the extended period, it added.

Police will monitor traffic situation

The Transport Department and the Police will continue to monitor the traffic situation closely and take appropriate enforcement action against taxi queues that pose serious traffic congestion or safety hazards at junctions and on busy roads.

Since the existing taxi restricted-zone permits will expire after July 31, taxi owners/drivers are required to replace them with the new ones.

New permits available from July 29

The Transport Department will set up counters to issue new permits at 13 designated LPG refilling stations from July 29 to July 31 from noon to 6pm. Click here for addresses of the stations.

Taxi owners/drivers are required to bring their existing permits to the above counters to exchange them for the new permits.

Permi- replacement services will also be made available at the department's four Licensing Offices from July 29.