There are often mixed feelings on pedestrian scheme proposals. We work closely with the District Councils, local shop owners and other trades to come up with win-win solutions. We conduct trial schemes to test the traffic arrangements and make modifications as required before the schemes became permanent. A number of pedestrian schemes have been implemented in Causeway Bay, Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui. We received very encouraging responses from both the pedestrians and the shop owners.
Pedestrians are now able to stride around freely in the pedestrian streets and enjoy their shopping.
Shop owners reported growth in their sales . We will continue to explore the feasibility of implementing similar schemes in other areas such as Central, Wanchai, Jordan and Sham Shui Po. In addition to pedestrian streets, we are also aware the need to provide better pedestrian crossing facilities. We will review such facilities and implement any necessary improvement to make them safer and most convenient. I believe that all of us have the will to improve the quality of life in Hong Kong for our future generations and ourselves.