23rd December 2024 – (Hong Kong) The Hong Kong Police will implement crowd safety management measures and special traffic arrangements on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon from 24th December to 25th December to facilitate public celebrations during the festive season.
On Hong Kong Island, significant crowd management efforts will be concentrated in the Lan Kwai Fong area, where large gatherings are anticipated. Police are urging the public to comply with instructions and to queue patiently. Additionally, attendees are advised against bringing aerosol sprays, as these may pose hazards to others. Parents and guardians are reminded to watch over children and the elderly amidst the celebrations.
Road closures will commence from 2pm on 24th December and will continue until 5am on 25th December, affecting several key streets, including D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, and Wellington Street. Further closures may occur depending on crowd conditions, with the rightmost lane of Garden Road designated for worshippers dispersing from St. Joseph’s Church after Christmas Eve Mass.
In Kowloon, similar crowd safety measures will be enforced, particularly in the Tsim Sha Tsui area, which is expected to draw many visitors. Road closures will begin at 6pm on 24th December, with significant roads such as Hung Hom Bypass and Salisbury Road being affected. As the evening progresses, further closures will be instituted to manage traffic flow effectively.
The Tsim Sha Tsui East (Mody Road) bus terminus will be temporarily suspended from 5.30pm on 24th December, followed by the Star Ferry and China Hong Kong City bus termini at 6.30pm and 11pm, respectively. All car parks within the closed areas will also be suspended until normal operations resume.
Police have warned that any vehicles parked illegally during these arrangements will be towed without notice and may incur multiple fines. The implementation of these measures will depend on real-time assessments of traffic and crowd conditions, and the public is encouraged to remain patient and adhere to police guidance during this festive period.
