XN000022-1973-07-04 — Page 4

-

2

L

Wednesday, July 4, 1973

The traffic study will include consideration of improvements to

present routes;

construction of new routes; the possibilities of restriction

on different types of vehicle at certain times of the day; and the use of

marine transport.

Mr. Robertson added: "These measures have become necessary because

of the unusually high rate of building taking place along the length of a very

restricted road system, and every effort will be made to minimise their duration."

The Director said the legislation was necessary because the Buildings

Ordinance, under which it had been hoped to implement the restrictions, did not

adequately provide for this.

L

A spokesman for the Public Works Department painted out that the six-

month standstill would not affect the construction of a large number of new

flats in the areas, for which plans had already been approved. These would

inevitably generate more private car traffic highlighting the severity of

the still increasing pressure on the roads in the two areas.

A total of 5,000 new flats is likely to be completed in the two

areas within the next two to three years, Of these, 3,000 are already under

construction, while plans for a further 2,000 have either been approved by the

Buildings Ordinance Office or are now being processed.

The 3,000 flats already being built are expected to involve the

provision of some 2,000 private car parking spaces. And a further.1,300 parking

spaces will be provided when the flats now at the planning stage are in due

course constructed.

In addition to these extra 3,300 private cars which will be using the

existing road network, the new buildings will lead to further use by other

vehicles such as taxis and delivery vehicles.

Note to Editora:

Photographs of maps outlining the areas included in the restrictions are boxed this evening.

-

13