The government said it would delay a traffic ban for a popular hiking trail in Sai Kung, shortly before it was to take effect on Saturday.

The administration had earlier proposed banning taxis from High Island Reservoir's East Dam from 9am to 6pm during weekends, public holidays and the mainland’s Golden Week period, following reports of overcrowding at the tourist hotspot.

In response to media enquiries, a government spokesperson said authorities would now invite stakeholders to carry out on-site inspections during the National Day Golden Week before announcing solutions to optimise traffic flow.

Tourism sector lawmaker Perry Yiu has welcomed the decision.

“Let’s look at the situation during National Day Golden Week, do a detailed data analysis and then come up with a long-term, comprehensive plan. It’s better than just putting up a temporary fix,” he said.

Yiu added that authorities could consider using technology to provide real-time visitor data at East Dam to help tourists assess whether they should visit.

Sai Kung District Councillor Christine Fong noted that residents who live near East Dam have expressed strong opposition to a complete ban on taxis entering East Dam during weekends and holidays.

“We understand that there are daily needs of the village residents. Actually, along the road from Pak Tam Chung entrance to East Dam, there are some small villages where residents need to take taxi to go in and out," she said.

"So whenever there's somehow emergency, taxis are their only transportation mode for those villages."

During the Labour Day Golden Week in May, the Transport Department had coordinated with minibus operators to provide more frequent services connecting East Dam and Pak Tam Chung.

Fong said from her observation, the enhanced service was sufficient to cater to the needs of both tourists and residents back then.

Peter Yung, a spokesman for the Hong Kong Taxi and Public Light Bus Association, also said putting a blanket ban on taxis is unacceptable as it affects industry interests.

But he said the trade is willing to discuss with officials on limiting the number of taxis to the area.

“I think it’s absolutely feasible. For example, maybe only 50 taxis could be allowed into East Dam at once on a day during the National Day Golden Week, which we know will be a peak time. When one taxi leaves, the other one can go in," he said.

"We should go step by step to see how we can optimise the solution.”