Govt pauses taxi ban plan for Sai Kung’s popular East Dam: sources

In a last-minute reversal, the Hong Kong government has indefinitely postponed a controversial plan to restrict taxis from accessing the popular High Island Reservoir East Dam during peak tourist times, according to sources.

Initially set to begin on Saturday, September 13, the plan would have barred taxis from using Sai Kung Man Yee Road, the main access route to the East Dam, during peak hours on weekends, public holidays, and mainland China’s Golden Week periods. 

However, following feedback from stakeholders, the government has delayed the implementation and is now analyzing opinions while planning a site visit during the upcoming National Day Golden Week to assess traffic and visitor flow.

The East Dam, part of Sai Kung East Country Park, has seen overwhelming crowds, particularly during peak travel periods like the Labour Day Golden Week, when taxis accounted for up to 86 percent of vehicles on Sai Kung Man Yee Road, causing significant traffic congestion. 

Unlike other vehicles, which require permits to access the mostly single-lane, two-way road, taxis currently face no such restrictions. 

To address the overcrowding, the government had proposed a ban on taxis from 9am to 6pm on busy days, alongside plans to enhance minibus and bus services to meet passenger demand. 

The proposal sparked significant pushback from the taxi industry, which argued that imposing restrictions based on isolated busy periods was unfair and overly restrictive.