Traffic could be banned from parts of Wan Chai, Central, Jordan and Shamshuipo under government plans to improve the environment and reduce accidents.
Commissioner for Transport Robert Footman said yesterday a study would begin in the middle of the year. 'At this moment I can't tell you specifically which roads will be included for this study as it will be our consultants' duties to come up with their selection of roads possible for such a purpose,' he said.
Mr Footman said he was confident any ban would not lead to huge traffic jams.
The development follows trial schemes in Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui and Mongkok during the past two months, on top of other traffic-relief measures such as reducing bus-stopping points.
Friends of the Earth assistant director Plato Yip Kwong-to said traffic should be banned at certain times in Lockhart Road, between Fenwick Street and Luard Road, in Wan Chai; Ice House Street in Central; and Temple Street in Jordan.
