Transport chiefs warned yesterday of serious traffic disruptions during the Olympic torch relay on Friday, when cloudy weather with scattered showers is forecast.
Public transport services, including 177 bus routes, 43 green minibus routes, trams, ferries and cross-border coaches will be affected at times, the Transport Department said. The adjustments would include service suspensions, diversions, less frequent services and the temporary relocation of bus stops.
Principal transport officer Albert Su Yau-on said traffic-control measures would depend on actual traffic and crowd conditions and would be lifted 'as soon as practicable' after the relay.
'As we have a cloudy weather outlook on Friday, if there are traffic accidents, serious traffic congestion would very likely happen,' he said.
He said heavier traffic and congestion was expected in Tsim Sha Tsui, Central and Wan Chai, particularly in Gloucester Road, Connaught Road Central, Hennessy Road and the Cross-Harbour Tunnel.
'Past experience suggests that it will take an hour to alleviate congestion of 30 minutes. Motorists are advised to plan their driving routes carefully or use alternative routes,' Mr Su said.
Meanwhile, a minor adjustment to the torch relay route has been made to avoid interference to candidates sitting Hong Kong Certificate of Education examinations, the director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Thomas Chow Tat-ming, said.
