The Transport Department had worked closely with the police and the Equestrian Company to prepare for traffic and transport arrangements in Sha Tin, North and Tsim Sha Tsui districts for the Olympic equestrian events, Assistant Commissioner for Transport Cindy Law said here Wednesday.

Law told a press briefing that the department's emergency transport coordination center (ETCC) will operate under a joint steering mode in cooperation with the police, public transport operators and other relevant parties to closely monitor the traffic and transport situation during the equestrian events period.

"Contingency traffic control measures will be implemented together with the police if necessary," Law said.

She said special traffic arrangements, including road closures, would be implemented on the roads near the venues to maintain smooth traffic flow while minimizing the inconvenience to the public.

"However, the pedestrian and traffic flow near University Station, Fanling Station, the venues and Tsim Sha Tsui will be extremely high before and after the events," Law said, adding people should make use of the public transport services and avoid going to the affected areas.

If driving is unavoidable, motorists were advised to plan their driving routes carefully, use alternative routes and allow more time to cater for unexpected delays.

Law appealed for the public's understanding, cooperation and tolerance on any inconvenience that might be caused by road closures, traffic diversions and management measures in Sha Tin, North and Tsim Sha Tsui districts.

Spectators heading for the venues were encouraged to use rail and interchange with the free shuttle bus services provided by the Equestrian Company at University or Fanling Stations. Taxis, private cars and coaches would be prohibited from directly accessing the venues.

To facilitate the security screening at the venues, spectators were also advised to arrive early, preferably around two hours before the events.

The operation hours of MTR East Rail Line, Kwun Tong Line and Tsuen Wan Line would be advanced or extended to match the starting and finishing times of the events, Law noted.

If the scheduled event was delayed or postponed due to inclement weather or other unexpected situations, Law said, the implementation of the special traffic and transport arrangements would be adjusted accordingly.

People are advised to watch out for the latest traffic and transport news broadcast via TV and radio stations.

Source: Xinhua