Mong Kok's pedestrian zone to operate only at weekends

Mong Kok's bustling pedestrian area will be reopened to traffic on weeknights after councillors voted near-unanimously to restrict the road closures to weekends and public holidays.

Members of Yau Tsim Mong District Council's traffic and transport committee cited the nuisance for locals and safety as they voted 24 to zero, with one abstention, to open Sai Yeung Choi Street South to traffic from 4pm to 10pm Monday to Friday.

The pedestrianised area is popular with salespeople, political campaigners and street performers, all attempting to attract the attention of shoppers. But people living and running businesses nearby say the crowds can be a nuisance and even a danger.

"An elderly woman told me that she couldn't get medical help, as the ambulance couldn't get through the jammed street," committee member Wong Shu-ming said. "It is time to review our pedestrianisation policy."

But Lam Kin-man, the only councillor to abstain, said he had reservations.

"I can see there are strong views from residents, who say activities in the precinct are causing a nuisance," Lam said. "But we have to balance that with the voices of other users of the street, the majority of whom want to keep the current situation."