The Transport Department will issue prohibited zone permits on Ma Wan Road on a restricted basis to facilitate group visits to Ma Wan Park when its Noah's Ark attraction opens on a trial basis at the end of the month.

Secretary for Development Carrie Lam told legislators today Ma Wan has four residents' bus routes to Tsing Yi, Kwai Fong, Tsuen Wan and the airport, and two ferry routes to Central and Tsuen Wan.

She said after the trial the department will study the change to the ratio between road and sea patronage, and will review the arrangements for regulating coaches to the park considering visitor demand and the need to ensure smooth traffic on the Lantau Link.

Noah's Ark will formally open to the public early next year.