Action plan: Transport Department Principal Transport Officer (Urban) Albert Su and Deputy Secretary for Home Affairs Vincent Liu explain arrangements for the East Asian Games torch relay.

Special traffic and security measures will be implemented in Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai on August 29 to ensure the smooth running of the Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games torch relay.

Deputy Secretary for Home Affairs Vincent Liu said today a launch ceremony will be held at the Kowloon Park Piazza at 3pm and 65 torchbearers will run the 10km relay route.

Starting at the piazza, the run will proceed along Austin, Nathan and Salisbury Roads to the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and the Avenue of Stars before crossing Victoria Harbour to Wan Chai's Expo Drive East, Harbour Road and Expo Drive to finish at Golden Bauhinia Square.

The last torchbearer will enter the square about 4.15pm. The closing ceremony will start about 4.25pm. A countdown show will then be held at TV City in Tseung Kwan O. The event will be broadcast live on local television channels.

Transport plan

Transport Department Principal Transport Officer (Urban) Albert Su said special traffic arrangements include road closures, diversions, and bus and green minibus service suspensions and adjustments in Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei and Wan Chai.

Motorists should heed traffic control and road-closure arrangements along the route. They should not drive to the affected or congested areas, especially Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai.

People should plan their routes early and allow more travelling time to cater for any unexpected delay. For more details click here or call 1834567 or 1823.

Safe event

Police Tactical Unit Commandant Lo Mung-hung said 800 officers and 100 Civil Aid Service staff will secure the event, ensuring it proceeds in a safe and orderly manner.

Police have devised contingency plans for unexpected incidents.

Crowd management measures will be implemented and people who wish to watch the event should not obstruct the relay route and avoid gathering on footbridges, he said.

The 2009 East Asian Games will be held December 5 to 13. Tickets for the competitions and ceremonies will go on sale August 31. A 10% discount will be offered until September 13. Click here for more information.