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He explained that the closure of the interchanges during the bus only lane operation hours was made on safety grounds. Traffic coming up to Tuen Mun Road would have to cut across the bus only lane and merge into the middle lane. This weaving movement would create a hazard because of the heavy traffic volume in the middle lane.
"We are fully aware of the situation on Castle Peak Road and the inconvenience of residents along the route has to endure. We have tried very hard to find a way by which the efficiency of the bus only lane on Tuen Mun Road would not be adversely affected and at the same time, inconvenience caused to residents on Castle Peak Road could be reduced to the minimum," Mr Lui said.
"Safety cannot be compromised. A measure which may deal with this situation is to terminate the bus only lane at Sham Tseng Interchange to allow light vehicles to join Tuen Mun Road. Vehicles in the middle lane will not be allowed to weave into the inside lane for safety reasons," he said.
The length of the bus only lane will be cut short from 13 kilometres to 9 kilometres and the operation hours will remain unchanged between 7 am and 9 am daily except Sundays and public holidays. It remains to be observed the impact of the modification to the efficiency of bus operation. If the trial modification causes unacceptable delays to bus operation, the Sham Tseng Interchange may be closed again after a review.
Vehicles which will be allowed to use the Sham Tseng Interchange include private cars, taxis and private light buses.
As regards Siu Lam Interchange, it was considered that opening up the Kowloon bound would more seriously affect the efficient operation of the bus only lane and the problem associated with lane weaving at the entrance to the bus lane would be unacceptable. It was therefore decided that vehicles should continue to be banned from joining Tuen Mun Road Kowloon bound at this interchange.
The Transport Department, together with all parties concerned, will closely monitor the situation during the extended trial period. Results will be critically examined before a long term decision is made.
End/Tuesday, May 23, 1995
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