Proposals to ban vehicles from some shopping districts have won the backing of a government-appointed traffic watchdog.
The Transport Advisory Committee yesterday proposed pedestrian schemes for Causeway Bay, Mongkok and Tsim Sha Tsui.
'Their implementation will enhance road safety and the overall pedestrian environment,' chairman Dr Cheng Hon-kwan said.
Areas will be classified into full-time, part-time or mixed priority streets, depending on the level of priority given to pedestrians.
The Government would consult district councils and other parties, Dr Cheng said. The scheme is due to take effect in the middle of the year but plans can be tailored after public consultation.
The Taxi Operators' Association said the schemes were unrealistic and might worsen the problems the committee was hoping to solve.