The Airport Authority has proposed to designate an area at the airport for van-type light goods vehicles to pick up and set down passengers and goods.

The authority started consulting with the light goods vehicle and taxi trades on the proposal today.

In formulating the proposal, the authority adheres to the following two principles:

* Any proposal must enable the authority to provide high quality service to airport users; and

Proposed locations: The Airport Authority has identified three areas at the airport for the transport industries to consider.

3 proposed locations

The authority has identified three locations for the industries to consider. They are at:

* the northern side of the existing passenger terminal,

* the southern side of the existing passenger terminal, and

* the northern side of passenger terminal 2 (to be opened in the third quarter of 2006).

All three locations are near the passenger terminals to provide passengers who must load and unload light goods with a conveniently accessible and sheltered pick-up and set-down point.

Upon deciding on the final location, construction works will be carried out to create the designated goods area.

Permit regime to be introduced

To ensure the provision of quality service, the authority will also put in place a permit regime for light goods vehicles to pick up goods at the airport, the authority's Land Transport & Communications Assistant General Manager Dr Stephen Lam said.

"We welcome any views from the light good vehicles and taxi trades. We will listen to their opinions and evaluate their recommendations in accordance with our two fundamental principles which are the provision of high quality service and the maintenance of a smooth airport operation."

Upon finalising the location, the authority will proceed to seeking approval from relevant government departments, amending pertinent regulations and carrying out construction works. The process is expected to take four to five months to complete.

"By having a designated area for goods, we will continue to provide quality services to airport users and hope that the measures will also assist Government to combat illegal transport activities," Dr Lam noted.