The Transport Department says it will extend the scheme on relaxing clearways for taxis for another 12 months, up to January 31 2007.

The scheme, first introduced in May 2003, allows taxis to pick up and set down passengers at peak-hour clearways and 7am-7pm clearways on roads with speed limits less than 70km per hour. It has been extended as the move has not caused any major traffic congestion or obstruction on the whole and helped taxis provide point-to-point service to passengers.

Taxi drivers should continue to exercise self discipline and to strictly observe the "pick up, drop-off and go" and ''no waiting" rules. The relaxation may be terminated if there are violations of traffic rules or obstruction and inconvenience caused to other road users. Traffic situations will be closely monitored and enforcement taken against taxi queues.

To tie in with the scheme's extension, taxi owners and drivers must renew their restricted zones permits. Counters will be set up at 13 designated LPG refilling stations from January 23 to January 25 from noon to 6pm for permit renewal. The service will also be available at the department's licensing offices from January 23.

For enquiries, call 2804 2600.