Transport Bureau (DSAT) Deputy Director Chiang Ngoc Vai said Thursday that road congestion during this year’s Macau Grand Prix was expected to be more severe than in previous years, urging people to abandon their cars and catch the bus instead during the four-day motor-racing event.
Chiang made the comments during a press conference by the Macau Grand Prix Committee regarding road arrangements during the 59th Macau Grand Prix which starts next Thursday.
Chiang explained that since many roads will be closed for the race and with over 210,000 motor vehicles clogging the city’s streets, a year-on-year increase of five percent according to official data, this year’s traffic conditions during the motor-racing extravaganza was expected to be even more severe than in previous years.
“For this reason, we’ll be operating three free shuttle bus services to the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, one from Rotunda Ferreira do Amaral, one from the Jai Alai casino and one from the Macau Forum,” Chiang was quoted by The Macau Post Daily as saying, urging people to leave home early to avoid getting stuck in traffic jams which could make them late for school and work.
All traffic, including buses and coaches, are banned from entering the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal area. While buses will stop at the Macau Forum, coaches will be temporarily parked near the Macau Science Centre and Macau Cultural Centre.
Chiang also pointed out that since most of the traffic that would usually use the street circuit will be diverted to other areas of the peninsula, every Sunday’s usual traffic restriction on Avenida da Almeida Ribeiro (San Ma Lou) would be cancelled on Sunday next week allowing private vehicles to use the thoroughfare that day when normally only buses and taxis are allowed to use the road on Sundays and public holidays.
Public Security Police (PSP) Transport Department Chief Mui San Meng added that the authorities will immediately remove any illegally parked vehicles near the race track to keep the roads clear for smoother traffic flow.
“Cars waiting to get into car parks that are also blocking other cars from using the road will also be booked because they are also causing traffic jams,” Mui said, also urging residents to take public transport and walk rather than use their cars during the four days.(macaunews)
