"Tidal Flow" to be implemented at Wong Tai Sin Temple
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Police will implement a "tidal flow" system in the vicinity of Wong Tai Sin Temple to facilitate worshippers visiting the temple during the Lunar New Year period.

"Crowd management measures will be put into force at Wong Tai Sin Temple from 6pm on January 25 to 7am the following day and daily from 7am to 7pm on January 26 to 31 and February 1, 3 to 4, and 7 to 8" a Police spokesman said.

"Should the temple become overcrowded, a 'tidal flow' system will be implemented for worshippers' safety, and Police officers will direct worshippers to enter the temple in controlled groups," he noted.

Worshippers are required to enter the temple in a one-way flow. Police will adopt the same queuing system as last year outside the temple. However, the area available for queuing inside the temple has been significantly reduced as a result of renovation work. In order to accommodate the expected number of worshippers, an additional queuing area has been identified to the south east of the temple complex.

Worshippers are asked to note that queuing times are expected to be longer than last year and as such, consideration should be given to visiting the temple after the traditional busy period associated with the Chinese Lunar New Year. Queuing times will be updated to the media should it appear that the temple is becoming crowded.

"Worshippers are urged to follow the advice given by Police officers and take extra care of their personal belongings as well as their young children and elderly companions," he added.

Special traffic arrangements will be implemented as follows:

(1) A section of Shatin Pass Road between Lung Cheung Road and Fung Tak Road will be closed to all traffic between 7pm on January 25 and 7pm the following day, and daily from 7am to 7pm on January 26 to 31 and February 1, 3 to 4, and 7 to 8. Only franchised public light buses or vehicles with permits issued by the Commissioner for Transport will be allowed access to the section.

(2) Temporary suspension of taxi stand:
During the road closure period, the taxi stand on the eastern kerbside of Shatin Pass Road will be temporarily suspended.

Police Report No. 6
Issued By PPRB

Ends/Thursday, January 15, 2009
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