HONG KONG: Commercial delivery drivers fear loss of business and livelihoods following implementation of a proposal to turn heavily trafficked areas into vehicle-free zones.

The plan is included in a government proposal released yesterday, aimed at improving air quality. It sets out that the city's air quality in certain congested areas, such as Central, Mong Kok and Causeway Bay, should be pedestrian-only all day.

Commercial vehicles meeting Euro III or lower standards would be banned from these areas to reduce air pollutants at street level.

The recommendations also suggested the railway network be expanded, and a cycling network connecting to major public transport hubs should be provided in newly developing areas.

Van's Calling Centre Association chairman Lee Kam-man said the proposal will affect unloading of goods for shops.

Lee said business is already severely affected by the global financial crisis. He expected a drop off in business of between 50 and 70 percent once the proposal is implemented. He predicted about 30 percent of drivers delivering goods will be forced to change jobs or be unemployed, he added.

Ko Shu-fui owns a store producing name stickers on Lockhart Road. The shop is located in Causeway Bay in an area earmarked to become a pedestrian-only zone. He thought the plan will be great for shoppers but it probably will prevent the unloading of goods for stores nearby.

"Workers may have to push trolleys a long way to deliver goods then. It will be very inconvenient for them," he said.

But Ko believed the ban will help improve air quality and reduce noise pollution in the area.

David Yuan, who runs a jade store on Great George Street, where vehicle access is limited during certain periods of the day, said he is content. He doesn't believe the vehicle ban will affect his business. He is concerned traffic congestion will get worse on roads nearby.

He suggested the government plant more trees on Great George Street and Paterson Street and implement a further crackdown on idling of vehicle engines.

Eddy Wong, a salesman at Yat Fai Photo Supplies on Great George Street, said the proposed ban will not harm business but he said authorities should allow workers to unload goods after midnight or early in the morning.

(HK Edition 07/24/2009 page1)