The Transport Department will implement special traffic arrangements in Sha Tin, North and Tsim Sha Tsui districts for the equestrian events, Assistant Commissioner for Transport/New Territories Cindy Law says.

At a press briefing today, Miss Law noted the department has worked closely with the Police and the Equestrian Company to draw up the measures. Contingency traffic-control measures will be put in place, if necessary.

Special arrangements such as road closures will be implemented on roads near the venues to maintain a smooth traffic flow while minimising public inconvenience.

The emergency transport co-ordination centre will operate during the equestrian events period with the participation of the Police, public transport operators and other relevant parties to closely monitor the traffic and transport situation.

Special arrangements

From August 8 to 21, a section of Yuen Wo Road outside the Sha Tin venue will be designated as a 24-hour prohibited zone.

On the event days, bridges across the nullah and part of the cycle tracks near the Sha Tin venue will be closed two hours before to one hour after the events.

In the North District, the cycle parking spaces next to Pak Wo Road near Fanling Station and Fanling Highway will be suspended from August 4 to 12. The department will provide 400 new spaces are provided near Pak Fuk Tin Sum Playground and Chi Fuk Circuit.

On August 11, part of Fan Kam Road between Po Kin Road and Lin Tong Mei will be designated as a prohibited zone and roads near North District Hospital as restricted zones until 2pm.

Some bus routes and green minibus routes will be shortened, suspended or enhanced. The bus stop on Pak Wo Road and residents' service stopping points to Fanling Station Road will be relocated.

Free shuttle service will be provided between On Po Village/Cheung Lek/Tsiu Keng and Sheung Shui Station. The cycle track near Pak Wo Road will be converted into a footpath for pedestrian diversion.

In Tsim Sha Tsui, part of the lay-by on Mody Road outside the Shangri-La Hotel will be a 24-hour restricted zone from August 5 to September 12 for shuttle buses operating for the event guests to travel between the airport, venues and Olympic Village.

Miss Law appealed for the public's understanding, co-operation and tolerance for the inconvenience due to road closures, traffic diversions and management measures in these districts. Click here for details.

Free shuttle

The operating hours of the MTR East Rail Line, Kwun Tong Line and Tsuen Wan Line will be extended to match the events' starting and finishing times. Service will start three hours before morning events, and will be extended for an hour after evening events end. Click here for details or call 2881 8888.

The Equestrian Company will provide free shuttle bus services at University and Fanling Stations at three- to 10-minute intervals two hours before and an hour and a half after the events. Travelling time will be about five to 10 minutes.

It will also provide a wheelchair booking service for those in need.

Miss Law urged spectators to use rail and interchanges to get to the venues. Taxis, private cars and coaches cannot access the venues directly.

As the pedestrian and traffic flow near the venues, University and Fanling Stations and Tsim Sha Tsui will be extremely high before and after the events, people should make use of public transport services and avoid going to these areas.

If driving is unavoidable, motorists should plan their driving routes carefully, use alternative routes and allow more time to cater for unexpected delays.

To facilitate the security screening at the venues, the Police urged spectators to arrive early, preferably around two hours before the event. Traffic measures will be adjusted if the scheduled event is delayed or postponed due to inclement weather or other unexpected situations.

Check here or visit the Equestrian Company's website for the latest transport updates. People can also call the department's hotline, 2804 2600, or the company's, 2107 9955.