The threat of another blockade of Hong Kong International Airport - this time by drivers of light vans - has been averted after the Airport Authority Hong Kong agreed to discuss their grievances.

On July 15, more than 10 light vans drove at slow speeds to the airport at night with a list of demands.

This action followed a seven-hour blockade by 300 taxi drivers protesting against new designated pick-up and drop-off points, which they said are too far away from the main airport terminal.

The Airport Light Van Concern Group, which organized the slow drive, said members are upset over what they regard as hefty charges for entering the drop-off area as well as poor facilities.

They are also unhappy with the setting up of a temporary call-a-cab stand in the area and demand that they be allowed to operate to and from the original point near Terminal 1.

The main grudge of both the taxi and van operators is the location of the new designated pick-up points for light vans and taxis that came into effect on July 14.

The points are located at parking lot No. 3 across from Terminal 2.

Trouble started around 7.30pm on July 14 when nearly 300 cabs massed around parking lot No. 4, causing serious traffic jams.

Buses operating to and from the airport were unable to pass, leaving frustrated passengers stuck in the jam for several hours.

The situation eased more than seven hours later after negotiations between taxi representatives and officials of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, the Transport Department of Hong Kong SAR Government and police.

The drivers agreed to stop their protest while a temporary call-a-cab stand was set up at parking lot No. 4.

More talks with the authority will be held in a week to work out a long-term solution.

The authority introduced the new pick-up and drop-off points in an attempt to stop illegal vans and taxis which have been picking up customers at the airport at discount prices.

However, industry groups said the area is too far from the main terminal and business has been affected.

Ip Moon-lam, president of the Hong Kong Union of Light Van Employees, said members would not rule out further action if demands were not met.

He said they have proposed the installation of complementary facilities, such as a canopy over the area and a baggage carousel nearby, or even valets to help push luggage carts.

They also called for a flat rate of HK$16 an hour entrance fee to the pick-up area, instead of HK$40 for the first half an hour, HK$60 for the second and subsequent hours.

Ip criticized the new regulations as unfair and said they would lose business.

"The new location is too far away, and without a canopy in such hot weather, it's very difficult for people carrying luggage and children to get there."

"It's unreasonable for the authority to impose these charges without providing complementary facilities," he said.

Kwok Chi-biu, chairman of the Urban Taxi Drivers' Association which organized July 14's protest, said a 20-minute walk from the passenger terminals to the pick-up area is too far for passengers and the location is hard to find.

"We estimate that even after six or 10 months, passengers may still not be able to get used to it. How can they guarantee that illegal operations will not happen? The police have failed to stop them all along," Kwok said.

He said business has suffered as a result of the discounted services by illegal taxi and light van operators.

Kwok apologized to travelers for the inconvenience caused over the weekend, saying he hoped a long-term solution can be worked out. The department said the new pick-up area was conceived as a deterrent to illegal transport activities, to allow police to deal with offenders and maintain an orderly traffic flow at the airport.

It said unlicensed light vans and taxis picking up passengers at the airport sparked conflicts among transport operators.

On July 15, legislator Miriam Lau Kin-yee, who represents the transport sector, urged taxi drivers to stay calm while resolving the dispute.

She said the temporary call-a-cab stand represents a chance for negotiation between the government and the taxi industry.

The Airport Authority Hong Kong apologized for the taxi protest and the subsequent delays experienced by travelers, and pledged to work for a solution with the transport industry.