transport · SingTao

Taikoo Shing Car Park Rolls Out New Measures to Combat Gridlock

about 1 hour ago2 MIN
Taikoo Shing Car Park Rolls Out New Measures to Combat Gridlock

Summary

Taikoo Shing Centre car park will introduce new congestion-relief measures following a severe traffic jam in early August that left drivers stranded underground for nearly two hours. The management company has begun implementing queue management at Tai Wo Road and will guide drivers to alternative parking facilities. The Transport Department rejected calls for traffic signals at the exit, citing private jurisdiction.

Key Points

  • A downpour in early August triggered severe congestion at the Taikoo Shing Centre car park, with drivers trapped underground for close to two hours .
  • The management company has activated queue controls at appropriate locations on Tai Wo Road when waiting vehicles impact nearby traffic .
  • Signage has been installed to direct drivers to other parking facilities in the area to reduce congestion buildup .
  • Honorary Permanent President of The Hong Kong Automobile Association Li Yao-pei (Li Yao-pei) proposed installing traffic signals at the exit to manage vehicle flow systematically .
  • Eastern District Councilor Kwok Ho-ching (Kwok Ho-ching) suggested closing the Taikoo Shing entrance from the Island Eastern Corridor during peak hours, but faced significant public backlash .
  • The Transport Department clarified that since the car park exit sits on private land, traffic signals fall outside its jurisdiction .

Why It Matters

The incident exposed structural vulnerabilities in Taikoo Shing's traffic design, with experts pointing to both inherent flaws and inadequate management. The success of these new measures will be closely monitored during weekend peak periods, as local officials have pledged to assess their effectiveness and gather feedback from residents and stakeholders .
The incident exposed structural vulnerabilities in Taikoo Shing's traffic design, with experts pointing to both inherent flaws and inadequate management. The success of these new measures will be closely monitored during weekend peak periods, as local officials have pledged to assess their effectiveness and gather feedback from residents and stakeholders .