Minutes of the 2nd Meeting in 2018 of the Traffic and Transport Committee

of Tai Po District Council Date: 9 March 2018 (Friday) Time: 2:32 p.m. – 7:13 p.m. Venue: Conference Room, Tai Po District Council (“TPDC”) Present Time of Arrival Time of Withdrawal

Chairman

Dr. LAU Chee-sing Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Vice-chairman

Mr. WOO Kin-man, Clement Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Members

Mr. AU Chun-wah 3:19 p.m. End of the meeting Mr. CHAN Cho-leung, MH 2:56 p.m. 5:11 p.m. Mr. CHAN Siu-kuen, MH, JP Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. CHOW Yuen-wai Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. KWAN Wing-yip Beginning of the meeting 7:08 p.m. Mr. LAU Yung-wai Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. LI Kwok-ying, BBS, MH, JP Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. LI Wah-kwong, Rex Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. LI Yiu-ban, BBS, MH, JP Beginning of the meeting 4:51 p.m. Mr. LO Hiu-fung Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. TAM Wing-fun, Eric, MH 2:38 p.m. End of the meeting Mr. TANG Ming-tai, Patrick Beginning of the meeting 4:52 p.m. Ms. WONG Pik-kiu, BBS, MH, JP 2:52 p.m. 5:40 p.m. Mr. YAM Kai-bong, Francis Beginning of the meeting 7:09 p.m. Mr. YAM Man-chuen 2:35 p.m. End of the meeting Mr. YU Chi-wing, Ken 2:36 p.m. End of the meeting Co-opted Members

Mr. AU Chun-ho Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Ms. CHAN Wai-ka, Olive Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. CHEUNG Kwok-wah 2:36 p.m. 4:47 p.m. Mr. CHEUNG Kwok-wai Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting

- 2 -

Mr. MAN Nim-chi Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. MUI Siu-fung Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. WAN Hing-choy Beginning of the meeting 5:34 p.m. Mr. WU Cheuk-him Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Secretary Mr. LEUNG Chung-wa, Alvin Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Executive Officer (District Council) 1 / Tai Po District Office (“TPDO”) / Home Affairs Department (“HAD”) In Attendance Ms. LEE Kai-ying, Iris Assistant District Officer (Tai Po) / TPDO / HAD Mr. NGAN Wing-hong, Victor

Engineer / 20 (North) / North Development Office / Civil Engineering and Development Department (“CEDD”)

Ms. MA, Flora Senior Transport Officer / Tai Po / Transport Department (“TD”) Ms. LUI Hiu-fai, Monica Senior Transport Officer / Bus / New Territories East / TD Ms. PUN Fun-yu, Winnie Engineer / Tai Po 1 / TD Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung Engineer / Tai Po 2 / TD Mr. HUI Ka-kit District Engineer / Tai Po / Highways Department (“HyD”) Mr. NG Yu-ting, Ivan Engineer 2 / Tolo Highway / HyD Mr. LAU Tak-cheong Assistant Housing Manager / Tai Po District Tenancy Management Office /

Housing Department (“HD”) Mr. FU Kin-chiu Station Sergeant (Acting) / Hong Kong Police Force (“HKPF”) Mr. LAM Tze-ho, Addie Deputy Chief / Communications and Public Affairs Department / Kowloon

Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited (“KMB”) Ms. LEUNG Ka-yan Assistant Manager / Communications and Public Affairs Department / KMB Mr. WONG Tsz-kin Assistant Manager (Operations) / Shatin Depot / KMB Mr. LEE Shut-hang, Imgmar Senior Officer (Planning and Development) / KMB Mr. FU Che-yang, Lawrence Resident Engineer / Hyder-Arup-Black & Veatch Joint Venture Mr. LEE Yu-sau, Terence Senior Executive Officer (District Council) / TPDO / HAD Ms. WONG Yu-hang, Anita Senior Liaison Officer (2) / TPDO / HAD Absent Mr. CHAN Tsz-wah Mr. LAU Chung-hon Mr. TSANG Hon-man

- 3 -

Opening Remarks

The Chairman welcomed Members and departmental representatives to the meeting of the Traffic and Transport Committee (“TTC”) and announced the following:

(i) Mr. CHEUNG Kwok-wai had been appointed as a Co-opted Member of the TTC of

the TPDC;

(ii) Ms. PUN Fun-yu, Winnie of the TD had succeeded Mr. WONG Chi-hin, Andrew to attend the meetings from now on.

(iii) Ms. MAK Pui-yan of the CEDD could not attend the meeting due to other commitments and Mr. NGAN Wing-hong, Victor attended the meeting on her behalf.

(iv) Mr. YEUNG Chiu-tim, Louis of the HD could not attend the meeting due to other commitments and Mr. LAU Tak-cheong attended the meeting on his behalf.

(v) Mr. TSUI Yik-fuk of the HKPF could not attend the meeting due to other commitments and Mr. FU Kin-chiu attended the meeting on his behalf.

I. Confirmation of the minutes of the 1st meeting of the TTC in 2018 on 12 January 2018 (TPDC Paper No. TT 12/2018) 2. The Chairman said that as the Secretariat did not receive any proposed amendments and there were no amendments submitted by Members at the meeting, the above minutes had been confirmed and no amendments were necessary.

II. Follow-up on the proposals to improve road traffic safety on Tai Po Road 3. The Chairman welcomed Ms. LUI Hiu-fai, Monica, Senior Transport Officer / Bus / New Territories East of the TD; as well as Mr. LAM Tze-ho, Addie and Ms. LEUNG Ka-yan, Deputy Chief and Assistant Manager respectively of the Communications and Public Affairs Department of the KMB to the meeting for the discussion of this agenda item. 4. The Chairman said that in light of the serious traffic accident on 10 February 2018, the TPDC had earlier held a special meeting during which a lot of DC Members had put forward proposals to improve the road traffic safety on Tai Po Road, which included setting a speed limit, installing fixed speed enforcement cameras (“SECs”) and relocating the bus stop, etc. He asked Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung of the TD to report on the follow-up action.

- 4 -

5. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung reported as follows:

(i) The TD would carry out a comprehensive review on the road condition and traffic management measures of the road section concerned, which included studying whether it was necessary to revise the speed limit, and whether the existing road signs and markings had to be enhanced, so as to further promote road safety. The TD was carrying out the study at full speed and would immediately announce the results once they were available.

(ii) The TD and the HKPF had started preparing for the installation of a new batch of SECs, and the road section concerned had been included in the list of areas where installation would be considered. The TD and the HKPF would proactively study whether it was feasible to install the SECs at that road section.

(iii) The TD had set up a temporary bus stop 300 metres away from the scene of the accident and it had been opened for use.

(iv) The TD and the HyD were inspecting the terrain of the area around the bus stop involved in the accident so as to study ways to optimise it.

6. Mr. HUI Ka-kit noted that the HyD would fully co-operate with and assist the TD in implementing the traffic improvement measures. After the accident, the HyD had assisted the TD in setting up a temporary bus stop 300 metres north of the road section where the accident took place, and the temporary bus stop concerned was open to the passengers on a temporary basis on 13 February. In addition, the HyD had received the TD’s proposals as regards the changes to the bus stop involved in the accident and was carrying out the advance preparation work, so as to launch the works as soon as possible after the proposals had been implemented. 7. Mr. TANG Ming-tai, Patrick thanked the TD and the HyD for their proactive follow-up action after the accident, but was disappointed with the TD’s report earlier. He said that it had been almost a month since the accident, but the TD had yet to implement any improvement proposal (such as installing the SECs at the road section concerned, and enhancing the protection measures for bus stops, etc.) or come up with a timetable for the improvement works. He asked the TD to put forward specific traffic improvement measures to the TTC as soon as possible for Members’ further discussion. In addition, the accident had cast a pall on the residents of Tai Po Mei Tsuen. He asked how the Government would help the residents recover from it. 8. As regards the TD’s statement that it was preparing for the installation of a new batch of SECs with the HKPF but was unable to provide a timetable for installation, Mr. KWAN Wing-yip opined that after such a serious accident, the TD should install the SECs at the road section concerned first, and it was not necessary for the installation work at other road sections to be carried out at the same time. He hoped that the department could provide a timetable for

- 5 -

installation as soon as possible, so that the TTC could keep abreast of the situation. 9. Mr. LI Kwok-ying indicated that the installation of the SECs, the aim of which was to enhance the deterrence and warn the drivers against speeding, was a punitive measure. In contrast, he opined that enhancing the road signs and markings, and reminding the drivers to slow down and pay attention to traffic safety would be more appropriate. As such, he asked how the TD could improve the road signs on Tai Po Road so as to enhance the instructions to the drivers. 10. Mr. MUI Siu-fung commented that the accident had cast a pall on the residents in the area, and the TD should carefully consider whether to reprovision the bus stop at the original spot. Also, a number of bus stops on Tai Po Road (including the one involved in the accident) did not have adequate protection facilities (such as barriers), and he hoped that such facilities could be enhanced in future so as to protect the safety of passengers waiting for the buses. He added that as there were a lot of sharp bends on Tai Po Road, he hoped that the TD would consider putting in place suitable measures on the road (such as painting white line) so as to lower the speed of vehicles making the bends. 11. Mr. LO Hiu-fung’s questions were as follows:

(i) The KMB and the TD had both said that they would set up an investigation committee for the accident. He would like to know the progress of investigation, when the KMB would submit a report to the Government, and whether they would explain the investigation results to the TTC.

(ii) Would the TD lower the speed limit of the road section concerned from 70 kilometres per hour (“km/h”) to 50 km/h so as to improve road safety?

(iii) Apart from Tai Po residents, he believed that the accident had cast a pall on many passengers headed for the racecourse. He said that on the first race day after the accident, the KMB had set up route 872X on a temporary basis between Tai Po and Sha Tin Racecourse via Tolo Highway instead. He asked whether the arrangement would become a regular one.

12. Mr. CHOW Yuen-wai was hugely disappointed that all the traffic improvement proposals were still at the study stage, and that the TD had failed to provide any paper or specific information at the meeting. Apart from the timetable for the installation of the SECs, he would also like to know their specific installation locations, etc. so as to allow Members to comment on them and convey the latest situation to the public. 13. Mr. YAM Kai-bong, Francis’ comments and questions were as follows:

(i) He was disappointed with the TD’s report.

- 6 -

(ii) A lot of vehicles travelled at a high speed on Tai Po Road on weekday evenings, posing danger to the pedestrians and other road users. However, there was no SEC at the section of Tai Po Road between Chek Nai Ping and Kwong Fuk at present. As such, he suggested the department install the SECs at that road section first.

(iii) Apart from the road section where the accident took place, there were a lot of sharp bends and slopes at the section of Tai Po Road between Chek Nai Ping and Kwong Fuk (such as the section between Savanna Garden and CARE Village). As such, he asked whether the department would carry out a comprehensive review on the traffic condition of the section of Tai Po Road between Chek Nai Ping and Kwong Fuk, and take suitable measures such as imposing a speed limit.

(iv) A serious traffic accident on Hiram’s Highway several years ago had resulted in a number of deaths and injuries. The TD had implemented a number of improvement measures afterwards, which included adjusting the speed limit, installing the SECs and putting down raised road markings, etc. to slow down the vehicles. He asked whether the TD would consider taking the above measures at the section where the accident took place, or even at the high-speed section of the entire Tai Po Road, to remind the drivers to maintain a suitable speed.

(v) After such a serious accident, he considered that the TD had to roll out additional measures to improve the traffic safety of the road section concerned, and should implement some of the measures that were relatively easy to implement (such as installing the SECs) as well.

14. Mr. YAM Man-chuen pointed out that Tai Po Road was a relatively old carriageway. He hoped that the TD, the HyD or the KMB would review whether it was suitable for double-deckers to travel there, or even consider using single-deckers instead to reduce the risk of accident. In addition, he opined that adjusting the speed limit and installing the SECs were relatively passive measures. The drivers had to be disciplined to comply with the requirements, but the cause of this accident was none other than speeding. As such, he considered that the Government had to improve the hardware facilities of the road (such as levelling the hidden slopes in the carriageway, widening the road to straighten the bends, etc.), so as to reduce the severity of accident in case of any. 15. Mr. CHAN Siu-kuen’s comments were as follows:

(i) He had written to the TD on 24 July 2015 requesting for the reduction of speed limit at the road section concerned from 70 km/h to 50 km/h, and to the HKPF on 5 June 2017 requesting for the installation of the SECs at the road section concerned. However, neither of them had been implemented.

- 7 -

(ii) The TD had contacted him and the villagers in the area, with the hope of deciding on the location of the temporary bus stop. He opined that while the location of the temporary bus stop was not ideal, it had, to a certain extent, resolved the pick-up and drop-off issues of the villagers.

(iii) He had visited the site with the HKPF to discuss about the location for installing the SECs, and the departments concerned and villagers had also commented on it. After the accident, he hoped that the TD could install the SECs at the road section concerned as soon as possible.

(iv) To avoid obstructing the Chinese religious ceremonies for the victims by their relatives at the scene of the accident, the bus stop involved in the accident had yet to be repaired. He asked the TD and the HyD to repair the scene as soon as possible once these ceremonies had been completed, so as to relieve the psychological impact of the villagers. As such, the TD had submitted to him and the villagers a report on the repair proposals. He had also asked the village head to convene a meeting in the village to discuss the matters, and convey the latest information to him and the TD once there was any.

(v) As regards the re-construction of the bus stop, the TD had suggested widening and extending the original one, moving the street lamps closer to it and pruning the trees nearby. He also asked the department to prune the trees at the side of the bends lest the view of the drivers be obstructed. In addition, he opined that the department should find another suitable location to reprovision the bus stop, rather than using the original location.

(vi) He asked that pedestrian crossing units with pushbutton function be provided at the road section concerned so that the elderly, children and residents could cross the road safely.

(vii) Prior to the windy and wet season, he would write to the HyD and the District Lands Office, Tai Po requesting for the pruning and removal of trees that might pose any danger.

(viii) Apart from the road section concerned, there were many other dangerous bends throughout the territory. He hoped that the TD could learn a painful lesson from this accident by reviewing the road sections in Hong Kong, so as to prevent similar accidents from happening again.

16. Mr. MAN Nim-chi commented that prior to the installation of SECs, the law enforcement departments could increase the frequency of their patrolling efforts and set up road blocks on Tai Po Road to check the speed of vehicles. However, he pointed out that the speeding vehicles could turn onto Tolo Highway at the junctions of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (“CUHK”), Cheung Shue Tan or Yau King Lane. As such, he asked whether it would lower the effectiveness of setting up road blocks there by the law enforcement departments. He added that

- 8 -

accidents resulting in injuries and deaths (especially accidents due to speeding) were one too many. He asked the TD and the law enforcement departments to carefully consider Members’ comments, and should neither slack off nor continue with its bureaucratic tactics. Otherwise, it should feel ashamed in the face of the family and relatives of the victims, as well as Tai Po residents. 17. Mr. WU Cheuk-him urged the HKPF to deploy additional manpower (especially in the evening) to the scene of the accident to take speeding photos, so as to show that the HKPF was highly concerned with the traffic safety of that road section, and make it clear to the drivers that it would seriously crack down on speeding. In addition, he opined that the TD should review the speed limit of the entire Tai Po Road and study straightening the bends to reduce the likelihood of accidents. 18. Mr. LAU Yung-wai’s comments were as follows:

(i) As a number of Members were of the view that there was an immediate need to install the SECs at the road section concerned, he was hugely disappointed with the TD’s work progress.

(ii) He criticised the government departments’ typical practice of taking remedial measures only after the accidents, and opined that such a patchwork approach was far from ideal.

(iii) There was a lot of room for improvement as regards the entire Tai Po Road. For instance, drivers did not have a full view of the nearby road condition at a bend outside the CUHK. He opined that the TD or the departments concerned had to carry out a comprehensive review of all the sections of Tai Po Road and study whether it was necessary to install the SECs or put up the “Slow down” signs, etc. so as to improve traffic safety.

19. Mr. CHEUNG Kwok-wai said that even if the speed limit at certain road sections had been reduced from 70 km/h to 50 km/h, it would still be within a dangerous speed range for double-deckers. He doubted whether it was appropriate to continue deploying double-deckers to travel on these road sections, and hoped that the departments concerned could review the situation. In addition, he suggested the KMB consider installing speed display devices on the buses, providing driving instructions for the drivers, as well as enhancing the drivers’ training for travelling on these dangerous road sections, so as to enhance their safe driving awareness. 20. Mr. WOO Kin-man, Clement, the Vice-chairman’s comments were as follows:

(i) He understood that under normal circumstances, the TD might not be able to adjust the speed limit, install the SECs and provide road markings, etc. in the matter of a

- 9 -

month. However, he opined that this serious accident was a special case, and the residents had certain expectations that the TD would carry out the improvement measures promptly. As such, he asked the department to expedite the implementation of these measures.

(ii) There were a lot of hilly roads in Hong Kong, with loads of them as narrow as or even narrower than the road section concerned. He hoped that the Government could review the roads in the territory and carry out suitable safety measures as an interim measure, so as to prevent similar accidents from happening again.

21. Mr. AU Chun-ho, citing a newspaper report, pointed out that for the sake of saving resources, the KMB had reduced the training time for new drivers from 18 days in the past to around 15, and stopped using the four driving simulators since 2015. As such, he questioned that the lack of training for drivers could hardly ensure their good driving skills and attitude. He asked whether the KMB was willing to put the lives of members of the public at risk for the sake for saving resources. 22. Ms. CHAN Wai-ka, Olive noted that apart from the road section concerned, there were many other bends in Tai Po Road which were rather dim in general. She hoped that the departments concerned could carry out a comprehensive review on the road condition of Tai Po Road, including the illumination, bends and gradient of the road; identify the sections more likely to have accidents; and help drivers have a better understanding of the road condition by improving the roads signs and enhancing the illumination, so as to reduce the likelihood of accidents. 23. Mr. CHEUNG Kwok-wah asked whether the KMB had carried out any mental stress assessment and psychological counselling for the drivers who had to drive along these road sections. 24. Mr. LI Wah-kwong, Rex pointed out that there were many roads in the rural area of Tai Po where a lot of Acacia confusa trees were obstructing the street lamps along the way. As such, the road surface was rather dim especially the section of Sai Sha Road. He hoped that the departments concerned could prune the trees at both sides of the bends so that they would neither obstruct the street lights nor affect the view of drivers. In addition, he suggested setting the speed limit at the slope sections of Tai Po Road at below 50 km/h. 25. Ms. WONG Pik-kiu’s comments were as follows:

(i) She had contacted the family of a number of victims who would become highly emotional whenever they were talking about the accident. She was concerned with the ways to allay the fear and mental obstacles of the victims’ family for travelling on double-deckers.

- 10 -

(ii) She knew that the KMB had sent floral wreaths and condolences to the victims’ family and believed that the KMB deeply understood their sorrow.

(iii) She had asked the victims’ family the reason why the victims took the bus involved in the accident. As members of the public leaving Sha Tin Racecourse had to walk across a rather long footbridge to take the MTR, it would be more convenient for them to take bus route 872. Some of the injured had also told her that only few passengers would get off at the en-route stops on Tai Po Road, and opined that it was not necessary for route 872 to detour along Tai Po Road.

(iv) The KMB had set up route 872X after the accident. However, as “X” sounded like “death” in Cantonese, it had turned away many passengers. She opined that it was not necessary for the KMB to keep using number 872 when setting up this new route, and asked the KMB to seriously consider changing it.

(v) As the travel time for route 872X from Sha Tin Racecourse to Tai Po Centre was less than 15 minutes, she asked why the KMB charged such a high fare ($18.1). She considered that the KMB had to shoulder the responsibilities and make up for the mistakes, and should therefore consider lowering the fare. In addition, she opined that the KMB should avoid using the digits 1, 4 or 7 for this route lest their sadness be triggered.

(vi) While the scene of the accident on Tai Po Road was a bend, the bends on Lam Kam Road and the roads in Stanley were even tighter. As such, she opined that the key was the driver’s driving attitude, and the victims’ family all blamed the KMB for failing to properly monitor the driver’s driving attitude.

(vii) Speed display devices had now been installed in public minibuses, and she asked the KMB to consider installing similar devices.

(viii) Some passengers had said that while the carriageway at the road section concerned was wide and the bus stop area rather big, the lamp posts in the vicinity of the bus stop were positioned in less than ideal locations. Incidentally, in this accident, the speeding bus had knocked down the lamp posts before flipping over onto its side. As such, the HyD had to carefully consider reprovisioning the lamp posts at other locations.

(ix) Citing the tragic situation of the family of several victims, she stated that the accident was traumatic to a number of families. She opined that the Government had to take proper follow-up action and immediately change the speed limit at the road section concerned without further delays.

(x) As the number of passengers and operation efficiency of route 872 at present were low, she suggested terminating the services of route 872, allocating the bus resources to route 872X and lowering the fare.

- 11 -

(xi) Citing the suggestions of professionals, she asked the HyD to consider providing anti-skid dressing on the road surface of the bend concerned so as to reduce the possible damage in the event of an accident.

(xii) She hoped that the KMB would set up an independent working group to follow up on the welfare needs of the victims and their family, and asked the KMB to take the initiatives to write to various departments such as the HD, the Social Welfare Department, etc. for assistance, so as to do everything it could to provide the victims and their family with all the suitable assistance.

26. The Chairman’s comments were as follows:

(i) The TPDC convened a special meeting for this tragic accident on 12 February 2018. As the TTC’s Chairman, he took the initiatives to suggest following up at this TTC meeting on the various traffic safety improvement proposals put forward by DC Members at that meeting, which included limiting the vehicles’ speed, installing the SECs, reprovisioning the bus stop, etc.

(ii) As the Government was highly concerned with the accident, he thought that the TD could report the improvement measures and implementation timetable (such as lower the speed limit at the road section concerned, etc.) at this meeting. But that was not the case and he was therefore disappointed with the TD’s report.

(iii) Members generally agreed to lower the speed limit at the road section concerned from 70 km/h to 50 km/h. As its implementation only required the Government’s gazettal, it should be dealt with quickly and should not wait until the review of the entire Tai Po Road had been completed.

(iv) The TD should take the initiatives to report the implementation and implementation timetable of the improvement measures of Tai Po Road to the TTC, DC Members of the constituencies concerned and the villagers concerned. He opined that the department needed not wait until the next TTC meeting to report on the matters, and it was not necessary to begin the work concerned only after reporting on the matters.

(v) To enhance the safety of public minibuses, the Government required all minibuses be equipped with speed display devices. He considered that this measure was also applicable to buses, where the passengers could find out the speed of the bus, and remind the driver to slow down in the event of speeding.

(vi) While the causes of this accident were still being investigated, Members’ suggestions were all valid improvement measures and he hoped that the TD and the KMB could implement them as soon as possible.

27. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung responded as follows:

- 12 -

(i) There was a village in the vicinity of the bus stop involved in the accident. To

make it convenient for the villagers to take buses, the TD had to identify a suitable location near the bus stop concerned to set up a temporary one. As there were only few suitable locations available, the department had eventually set up a temporary bus stop 300 metres north of the bus stop concerned for picking up and dropping off passengers.

(ii) The TD initially planned to optimise and enhance the facilities of the bus stop involved in the accident, so as to re-open it to the passengers as soon as possible. After the bus stop had resumed its services, the department would continue to follow up on the proposal to identify another location to reprovision the bus stop.

(iii) He reiterated that the road section concerned had been included in the list of areas where installation of SECs would be considered. As regards when the list of installation would be implanted, he would like to submit supplementary information to the TTC after the meeting.

(iv) Road signs and markings had been provided at the road section concerned reminding the drivers to pay attention to safety. These included warning signs like “Reduce speed now”, “Bend ahead”, “Sharp right bend ahead”, etc., and road markings like “Slow”, while barriers had also been installed at the bends on the road. The TD was carrying out a comprehensive study as regards whether these road signs and markings were sufficient, and the ways to enhance these measures to further promote traffic safety.

(v) The TD would review the traffic condition in the area altogether, consider whether to change the speed limit and whether it was necessary to enhance the existing road signs and markings, and review the road condition and traffic management measures of the road section concerned. As the above studies were on-going, the department would release the results to the public once the studies had been completed.

28. Ms. MA, Flora said that according to the passenger volume record of routes 872 and 872X, there were limited number of passengers in some of the trips. The TD would urge the KMB to consider tweaking the services, such as deploying single-deckers instead for these routes, etc. In addition, the department noted Members’ comments as regards the number of bus routes and would study with the KMB whether there was any room for improvement. 29. Ms. Monica LUI indicated that not only the HKPF was carrying out an in-depth investigation for the accident, the KMB was also carrying out an internal independent investigation and had to submit a report to the TD within a month. At the moment, the KMB had yet to submit a report to the TD. Once it had done so, the TD would carefully examine the report

- 13 -

and take follow-up action. 30. Mr. Addie LAM responded as follows:

(i) Public buses were currently equipped with speed limiters keeping their speed below 70 km/h. Due to factors such as gravity, however, buses travelling downhill might exceed the speed limit. As such, the KMB Engineers were discussing with the overseas parts suppliers for solutions that would keep the buses at a safe speed while going downhill. The KMB hoped that the system could be introduced as soon as possible.

(ii) The TD had recently allowed the KMB to employ more trainers so as to enhance driver’s training on all fronts.

(iii) The KMB would mainly refer to the number and demand of passengers when deploying single- or double-deckers for certain routes. As a road user, the KMB had not been informed that the road section concerned was not suitable for double-deckers. However, it was willing to take into consideration the actual situation and the number of passengers and consider deploying single-deckers for the route concerned.

(Post-meeting note: The KMB had deployed single-deckers for route 872 after the accident.)

(iv) After the accident, the KMB had set up a counselling hotline for all the drivers. If any of them driving the route concerned requested the KMB for a transfer due to psychological issues, it would also make suitable arrangements.

(v) Safety was the KMB’s primary pledge to its passengers, and it would never make any concessions as regards safety due to resource issues. In the past ten years, the number of training days for the KMB drivers had remained unchanged at 18 days. Also, the KMB had indeed used the driving simulator system years ago. However, as some of the trained drivers said that the benefits of the simulators were insignificant, and that they felt light-headed while using them, the KMB had decided to turn simulator training into road driving training.

(vi) As regards Members’ comments on routes 872 and 872X, the KMB and the TD would discuss about them and follow up accordingly. The KMB was also willing to discuss with the TD on the ways to enhance travel safety through the provision of new devices (such as speed display devices, etc.).

(vii) The KMB was highly concerned with the situation of the victims’ family, and would maintain close contact with the persons concerned so as to provide the victims’ family with suitable support.

- 14 -

31. Mr. Patrick TANG’s comments were as follows:

(i) Some villagers had requested to prune the trees at both sides of the entrance to Tai Po Mei Tsuen, so as to improve the condition of the junction and avoid obstructing the drivers’ view. He added that if vehicles were parked at the entrance to Tai Po Mei Tsuen, the drivers’ view would be obstructed by the trees, making it difficult for the drivers to clearly see the vehicles coming from Kowloon. In addition, as the junction was situated at one of the bends of Tai Po Road, vehicles were travelling at a high speed. As such, he hoped that the TD and the HyD could review the condition of the afore-mentioned junction together and improve on it.

(ii) After this unfortunate accident, he hoped that the TD could be more proactive in following up on DC Members’ and residents’ proposals to improve rural roads, and should not reject the proposals concerned due to personal reasons. He also hoped that the departments concerned, such as the TD and the HyD, could improve the traffic environment for members of the public in a professional and earnest manner.

(iii) He opined that the departments should stop following the beaten track but try to improve their services in a proactive and innovative manner. He said, for example, that there were new types of barriers overseas that could withstand collisions while acting as a buffer. Government departments could spend more time studying and paying attention to the new types of barriers in other countries, so as to learn from their strengths and prevent accidents.

(iv) Even if Tai Po Road was suitable for double-deckers, when the buses were going through the bends, there were other factors such as speed and how tight the bends were, etc. that could affect their centre of gravity and give rise to potential safety concerns. Apart from setting a speed limit, he hoped that the KMB could seriously study ways to enhance driving safety and improve the drivers’ driving attitude.

32. The Chairman understood that the department needed time to study the reprovisioning of the bus stop, and was therefore willing to give it more time to deal with it. As for the other measures such as lowering the speed limit at the road section concerned and installing the SECs, etc., he opined that they were not difficult to be implemented. They could have been implemented more quickly without having to wait for the completion of the investigation report. However, it had been almost a month since the accident, and the time to implement these measures was still unknown. As such, he suggested writing to the Commissioner for Transport in the name of the TTC, expressing the TTC’s disappointment as regards the TD’s report at this meeting, and demanding the TD to implement the two measures above as soon as possible. 33. Mr. CHAN Siu-kuen suggested writing to the Secretary for Transport and Housing (“STH”) at the same time. The Chairman agreed to send a copy of the letter to the STH.

- 15 -

34. Mr. MUI Siu-fung considered that many traffic accidents were due to human errors. As such, he hoped that the KMB, while enhancing the training for drivers, should also deploy full-time and experienced drivers to travel on the road sections with as many bends and slopes as Tai Po Road did. 35. Mr. MAN Nim-chi once again asked, before the SECs were installed, what immediate measures the law enforcement departments could take to intercept the speeding vehicles, and to prevent these vehicles from turning onto Tolo Highway at the junctions of the CUHK, Cheung Shue Tan or Yau King Lane to avoid interception. 36. Mr. LI Yiu-ban’s comments were as follows:

(i) Many road sections were more circuitous than Tai Po Road, and so it was difficult to say for sure that Tai Po Road was not suitable for double-deckers.

(ii) He considered that the driver’s attitude and awareness for danger were the most important factors. He opined that years ago when the buses were equipped with manual gearboxes (also known as “stick shift”), drivers had a stronger awareness for danger as driving was more difficult.

(iii) In the past, the Government had used the sign of “All buses must stop here” to remind the bus drivers to pay attention to the traffic condition ahead, enhance their awareness for danger and calm them down by requiring them to stop the buses. As regards the road section concerned, he opined that the road sign could be put up before the downhill slope in Chek Nai Ping (i.e., next to the lay-by), so as to enhance their awareness for danger by requiring them to stop the buses and start again.

37. Mr. AU Chun-wah’s comments and questions were as follows:

(i) He asked the TD how much time it still needed to review, study and announce the implementation of the measures.

(ii) A number of TPDC Members had put forward various proposals to improve the traffic safety of Tai Po Road at the Special TPDC Meeting on 12 February 2018. However, it had been almost a month and the departments concerned had yet to implement any short-term proposals or remedial measures, as if they had not been dealing with the issues and taking follow-up action in a proactive manner.

(iii) The KMB had earlier pledged to submit a report to the TD within a month. As it had been almost a month since the accident, he asked when the KMB would submit the report to the TD, and what follow-up action would be taken by the TD after receiving the KMB’s report (such as whether it would explain the report’s findings

- 16 -

to the TTC and carry out discussions). 38. Mr. CHEUNG Kwok-wai’s questions were as follows:

(i) Apart from enhancing the training, would the KMB conduct regular psychological assessment or driving attitude assessment for the drivers?

(ii) When renewing the contract with the driver in future, would the KMB take into consideration factors such as the driver’s traffic accident and offence records during and outside office hours, as well as his psychological assessment and driving attitude assessment, etc.?

39. Mr. KWAN Wing-yip said that the family of some of the victims opined that the KMB had neither provided them with sufficient insurance claim information nor clearly told them how to claim damages accordingly. To prevent the victims’ family from being helpless, the KMB should take the initiatives to follow up on the matters related to damage claims. If it was necessary to wait for the HKPF’s investigation and court proceedings to complete before following up on the insurance claim, the message should also be conveyed to the victims’ family so that they would know what to do accordingly. 40. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung commented that the TD had established procedures to review the speed limit of different road sections. The speed limit studies concerned would be carried out according to the department’s established procedures or administrative measures for reviewing the road section. The TD was carrying out the studies concerned in a proactive manner and would make public announcement once further information was available or the studies had been completed. 41. Ms. Flora MA said that the TD conducted an on-site inspection with TPDC Members and villagers of Tai Po Mei Tsuen on 12 February 2018 to inspect the condition of the road section and bus stop concerned, etc. In addition, the TD noted the letter from the village head of Tai Po Mei Tsuen, and would maintain close liaison and explain the follow-up action with the village head and DC Members of the constituencies concerned. (Post-meeting note: The TD amended that the date of the afore-mentioned on-site inspection

should be 13 February 2018.) 42. Mr. Addie LAM responded as follows:

(i) The KMB was willing to introduce feasible and effective safety measures.

(ii) The KMB would enhance drivers’ training on a continued basis.

- 17 -

(iii) The engineering team was preparing to introduce new devices for buses to enhance safety.

(iv) Part-time and full-time drivers were both professional and there was no difference in their training standard. The situation that the safety awareness and driving skills of part-time drivers were worse than that of full-time drivers did not exist.

(v) In response to society’s expectation of the KMB’s supervision of part-time drivers (such as whether the other jobs of part-time drivers would affect their driving performance, etc.), the KMB was willing to further enhance its supervision level despite the shortage of manpower, and had therefore stopped hiring part-time drivers.

(vi) The KMB would submit the accident investigation report to the Government as scheduled.

(vii) The KMB had contacted the family of all the victims and explained to them the claim procedures, and would take the initiatives to write to them in the coming weeks to inform them of the matters related to their claims. The KMB would continue to maintain close liaison with the family of all the victims.

43. Mr. FU Kin-chiu said that the Traffic Wing of Tai Po Police District had enhanced its patrolling efforts at the road section concerned, and would take suitable enforcement action on any vehicles that were obstructing the road or the drivers’ view. The HKPF would also strengthen its speed check operations and set up road blocks at the road section concerned to enhance the deterrence effect, so that the drivers would slow down their vehicles. If necessary, the HKPF would take enforcement action around the clock. 44. Ms. Monica LUI indicated that the TD had not yet received the accident investigation report from the KMB at the moment. Once it had, it would examine the report carefully and devise follow-up action depending on the report’s content. In addition, the department noted the TTC’s request for a copy of the report. 45. Ms. WONG Pik-kiu suggested the KMB, before submitting the investigation report, meet the victims’ family in groups and incorporate their comments into the report so as to provide a comprehensive view of the accident. She did not doubt the professionalism and competency of the Government and the departments concerned in improving road traffic safety. However, she was of the view that the accident took place mainly because of the driving attitude of the driver concerned. As such, the focus of the accident should be on the ways to cater for the needs of the victims’ family. She respected the work of bus drivers, but opined that the KMB had an undeniable responsibility in this accident, and it should not and could not shift the responsibility to the TD or the HyD.

- 18 -

46. Mr. MAN Nim-chi criticised the TD for being bureaucratic as it did not respond directly to the TTC’s request for a copy of the KMB’s accident investigation report. He suggested incorporating the request into the letter to the Commissioner for Transport and the STH. The Chairman agreed with the suggestion. (Post-meeting note: The Secretariat had written to the Commissioner for Transport on 15 March

2018 with a copy sent to the STH.)

III. Setting up a bus interchange on Fanling Highway (Kowloon bound) (TPDC Paper No. TT 20/2018) 47. The Chairman welcomed Mr. NG Yu-ting, Ivan, Engineer of the HyD and Mr. FU Che-yang, Lawrence, Resident Engineer of Hyder-Arup-Black & Veatch Joint Venture to the meeting for the discussion of this agenda item. 48. Ms. Monica LUI introduced the bus route service arrangement, planning principles, passenger facilities, etc., of the bus interchange on the south bound Fanling Highway by way of PowerPoint. 49. Mr. Francis YAM’s comments and questions were as follows:

(i) Situated at Kau Lung Hang, the afore-mentioned interchange provided interchange services mainly for the residents of North District. He doubted that it would not benefit Tai Po residents at all.

(ii) The TTC had been striving for the provision of a bus interchange on the south and north bound Tolo Highway near Providence Bay, believing that its interchange network and efficiency would be higher than that of the bus interchange on the south bound Fanling Highway. He asked why the TD would not consider it.

(iii) The TD had approved the setting up of route 274 that provided whole-day services from Sheung Shui to Ma On Shan, but ignored Tai Po District’s long-standing requests to enhance the services of route 274P. It had once again shown the department’s bias against Tai Po District for ignoring its requests.

50. Mr. KWAN Wing-yip’s comments and questions were as follows:

(i) He added to what Mr. Francis YAM had just said that according to the Bus Route Planning Programme 2017-2018 of North District, there was only one bus trip for route 274 from Sheung Shui to Ma On Shan in the morning and it was not a whole-day route. Nevertheless, he also hoped that route 274P could be enhanced

- 19 -

to a whole-day route, so as to make it convenient for the residents to commute between Tai Po and Ma On Shan.

(ii) If residents take a bus for North District, got off on Fanling Highway and then walked to the afore-mentioned interchange to change to another bus, could they enjoy the interchange concession?

51. Citing the examples of the afore-mentioned interchange and some bus routes (such as routes 277X, 274, 263C, etc.), Mr. YAM Man-chuen criticised the TD for being biased or even adopting the principle of “North District first” while ignoring the TPDC’s requests. He hoped that the TD would study ways to compensate the residents and passengers of Tai Po District. 52. Mr. CHAN Cho-leung’s comments were as follows:

(i) Even though the afore-mentioned interchange was situated in Kau Lung Hang near Nam Wa Po, it could not benefit the residents of the two constituencies nearby, namely Lam Tsuen Valley and Hong Lok Yuen. He hoped that the TD could cater for the needs of the residents of these two constituencies.

(ii) He suggested providing a pick-up and drop-off area for private vehicles at the afore-mentioned interchange to make it convenient for the residents to drive their relatives and friends to the interchange to change for buses.

53. The Chairman commented that the TD consulted the TTC as regards the provision of a bus interchange on the south bound Fanling Highway in September 2015, and had secured the TTC’s support. He pointed out that there were discussions at that time about extending the routes of some of the minibus routes that travelled along Hong Lok Yuen, Kau Lung Hang, etc. to the afore-mentioned interchange to make it convenient for the residents to change for other means of transportation. In addition, the TTC had also put forward the suggestion of providing a pick-up and drop-off area for private vehicles at the afore-mentioned interchange. 54. Ms. Monica LUI responded as follows:

(i) Situated in Kau Lung Hang near a gas station, the afore-mentioned interchange was accessible to the residents of Tai Hang Tsuen and Yuen Leng Tsuen through the pedestrian footbridge on Tai Wo Service Road West.

(ii) Route 274 only had one trip from Sheung Shui to Wu Kai Sha every day and was not a whole-day route.

(iii) She suggested discussing and dealing with the arrangements for routes 274P or 263C separately.

- 20 -

55. Mr. Ivan NG added that village roads and a gas station were behind the afore-mentioned interchange. Due to design and physical constraints, the HyD could not provide a pick-up and drop-off area for private vehicles at the interchange. 56. Ms. Flora MA noted that the TD had discussed with the operators of green minibus routes 25A and 25B as regards the detour arrangements at the afore-mentioned interchange, and the minibus operators, in principle, did not object to the suggestion concerned. Nevertheless, the minibus operators had to wait until the afore-mentioned interchange had been opened for use before arranging for trial runs. Once specific details were available, she would contact the DC Members of the constituencies concerned for follow-up action. (Post-meeting note: The TD carried out an on-site inspection with the DC Members of the

constituencies concerned and the minibus operators on 23 March 2018. The TD would explain to the TTC the interchange’s arrangements again before it had been opened for use.)

57. Mr. Patrick TANG’s comments were as follows:

(i) He did not know the exact location of the afore-mentioned interchange and hoped that, in future, the Administration could provide Members with the drawings or location plans concerned as soon as possible.

(ii) Due to the absence of pavement linkage, even if the department had installed barrier-free access facilities at one of the pedestrian footbridges leading to Tai Wo Service Road West, residents of Kau Lung Hang still could not reach the footbridge.

(iii) He commended the review on the route of green minibus route 25B. However, as he did not know the location of the afore-mentioned interchange, he could not put forward any specific suggestion for the time being.

(iv) He hoped that the department could use that interchange to serve the villagers nearby wherever possible, so as to make it convenient for them to change to buses.

58. The Chairman added that as the residents of Kau Lung Hang and Yuen Leng could drive to the gas station in Ho Ka Yuen, it meant that they could also drive to the afore-mentioned interchange (i.e., somewhere near the gas station in Ho Ka Yuen). He pointed out that when discussing the proposal in 2015, they had also catered for the needs of the residents in the area. 59. Mr. Patrick TANG opined that the information and comments of DC Members of the current term and previous term might not necessarily be the same. As such, he strongly demanded the Administration to provide comprehensive and complete information when consulting the DC in future, so that DC Members of the current term could examine and comment on them.

- 21 -

60. Mr. CHAN Cho-leung’s comments were as follows:

(i) The TTC did not object to the TD’s construction of a bus interchange on the south bound Fanling Highway. However, he was not pleased that the department had not accepted the TTC’s suggestions in 2015, and that the interchange could not benefit the villagers nearby.

(ii) Tai Hang Tsuen and Yuen Leng Tsuen were quite far away from the afore-mentioned interchange. Coupled with the absence of a complete pedestrian network connecting the nearby villages and the interchange, it was difficult for members of the public to walk there.

(iii) He opined that the Administration had not thoroughly considered the ways to make it convenient for the residents to use this bus interchange.

61. Mr. MAN Nim-chi’s comments were as follows:

(i) It took an average adult at least half an hour to walk from the office of Tai Hang Tsuen to Ho Ka Yuen. As such, it was simply impossible for the residents to walk from Tai Hang / Nam Wa Po to the afore-mentioned bus interchange.

(ii) The services of green minibus route 25A had improved considerably in recent years. If the route had to detour to this interchange on purpose in future, he believed that it would increase the travel time during the morning rush hours. He opined that before making the changes, the department had to carefully consider how much the residents in the area concerned had to suffer waiting for the minibuses every morning.

62. Mr. WAN Hing-choy asked whether there was any taxi stand in the afore-mentioned interchange, and the ways for Tai Po residents to travel to the interchange. 63. Mr. CHAN Cho-leung added that he agreed that extending the route of green minibus route 25A to the afore-mentioned interchange would affect the travel time and frequency of trips, and he hoped that the TD would carefully consider it. 64. Mr. Patrick TANG reiterated that he supported and welcomed the Administration’s provision of a bus interchange in the Kau Lung Hang, Yuen Leng and Nam Wa Po area. He was not pleased only because the information provided by the department was insufficient, and the proposal had failed to cater for the needs of the residents near the interchange. As such, he hoped that there would be enough room to discuss ways to improve the situation. He pointed out that the information submitted by the Administration had not set out the details of the interchange (such as the location of the interchange, the infrastructure in the vicinity, etc.), and opined that the Administration had to provide these information and carry out a consultation.

- 22 -

65. The Chairman’s comments were as follows:

(i) To tie in with the works of Liantang Boundary Control Point at the entrance in Kau Lung Hang, Tai Po Rural Committee had convened meetings discussing the changes to the rural roads in the Kau Lung Hang area. There were also discussions on the ways for the residents to travel to the gas station in Ho Ka Yuen, and he believed that it had already catered for the needs of the residents in terms of travelling to the gas station.

(ii) He supported the TD’s provision of a bus interchange on Tolo Highway near Science Park.

(iii) In light of the Liantang Boundary Control Point Project and the development needs of North District, North District Council strived for the provision of the afore-mentioned interchange. As the interchange was situated in Tai Po District, the Administration also had to consult the TPDC.

(iv) The reason why the department attended this meeting was to consult the TTC as regards the arrangements for the bus routes at this bus interchange before its completion.

66. Mr. CHAN Cho-leung hoped that the afore-mentioned interchange would cater for the needs of the residents in the Tai Wo Service Road West and Tai Wo Service Road East area but not “bypass” them (i.e., situated in Ho Ka Yuen but failed to benefit the nearby residents at all). Otherwise, the residents would be aggrieved by it. In addition, he said that he had been striving for the construction of Lam Kam Road Roundabout for years, and asked when it would be completed. 67. The Chairman added that what the TTC examined in 2015 were the “hardware” facilities of the afore-mentioned interchange, such as the peripheral facilities of the interchange, where the buses would stop, where to pick up and drop off the residents, etc., while this meeting examined the “software” of the interchange, such as which bus routes would use the interchange, etc. If Members would like to have more information on the “hardware”, he asked the TD to submit them separately after the meeting. However, the Administration had constructed the afore-mentioned bus interchange based on the proposal endorsed by the TTC earlier. The works were almost complete and the interchange was expected to be opened for use in June 2018. As such, he opined that Members should focus on commenting on the “software” of the interchange at this meeting. As pointed out by a Member not long ago, the bus routes currently using the afore-mentioned interchange could not cater for the needs of the nearby residents, and the TD could also study whether extending the minibus routes nearby to the afore-mentioned interchange was feasible.

- 23 -

68. Ms. Flora MA thanked the Chairman for adding the relevant background information. She pointed out that the TD would later meet the DC Members of the constituencies concerned and the relevant minibus operators to study whether it was feasible to adjust the routes of green minibus routes 25A and 25B to connect with the afore-mentioned interchange. It would also sound out other locals with the hope of enhancing the traffic connection of the interchange. In addition, the department would like to introduce the bus route arrangements, traffic infrastructure, etc. through this meeting, which included providing information on interchange concession, etc. 69. Mr. Patrick TANG indicated that even for the “software” of the interchange, it would be difficult for Members to comment on them (such as whether it was appropriate for green minibus route 25B to detour to the bus interchange, etc.) if they did not have information such as the location of the interchange. He asked the TD to provide the location map of the interchange and other relevant information when meeting him and Mr. CHAN Cho-leung (i.e., the two DC Members of the constituencies concerned) later. 70. Ms. Monica LUI thanked Members’ support-in-principle for this bus interchange. At the meeting, she showed the location map of the bus interchange, hoping that it would help Members have a better understanding of its location, the connection point with the pedestrian footbridge, and the pedestrian route between Tai Wo Service Road East and the interchange, etc. If Members would like to have more detailed information, the TD could provide them after the meeting. In addition, passengers of green minibuses, taxis or private vehicles could get off at Tai Wo Service Road East and walk to the interchange to change for buses. 71. Mr. WAN Hing-choy’s questions were as follows:

(i) Why green minibuses could pick up and drop off passengers at the bus interchange but taxis could not?

(ii) If DC Members of the constituencies concerned did not know the way to the bus interchange from Tai Wo Service Road East, how could the passengers in general know?

(iii) After getting off the vehicles, how long would it take to walk to the bus interchange?

72. Mr. Lawrence FU added that passengers could proceed to the bus interchange from Tai Wo Service Road West via the pedestrian footbridge in Ho Ka Yuen, or from Tai Wo Service Road East (near Tong Hang East), while taxi or green minibus passengers could get off at Tai Wo Service Road East and then walk to the interchange to change for buses. In light of Members’ comments, he would later study with the departments concerned as regards the passenger pick-up and drop-off issues of green minibuses and taxis near the interchange.

- 24 -

73. The Chairman suggested the departments concerned continue to attend the next meeting to provide Members with the latest information of the afore-mentioned interchange, such as the location of the passenger pick-up and drop-off area for minibuses, taxis and private vehicles, etc. He also asked the departments concerned to enhance their communication with the DC Members of the constituencies concerned before the next meeting and to provide enough information in advance, so as to help them understand this project. (Post-meeting note: The TD had provided the DC Members of the constituencies concerned with

the required information after the meeting.)

IV. Matters arising from the minutes of the 1st meeting of the TTC in 2018 on 12 January 2018 (TPDC Paper No. TT 13/2018) (1) Objection against the handing over of MTR feeder buses in Tai Po District by MTR

Corporation Limited to Kowloon Motor Bus Company Limited (TPDC Paper No. TT 14/2018)

74. The Chairman said that the MTR Corporation Limited had made a written report on the captioned matter. Details had been set out in TPDC Paper No. TT 14/2018. 75. Members did not have any comments or questions. (2) Demand for the prompt setting up of a bus stop on Lam Tsuen Heung Kung Sho Road 76. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung indicated that the TD was studying the turning room / trajectory required by buses as well as other environmental factors, etc. Due to staff transfers and limited resources, he could not provide the design drawings concerned at this meeting. He would like to contact Mr. CHAN Cho-leung after the meeting to explain the situation. 77. Mr. CHAN Cho-leung’s comments were as follows:

(i) He understood the physical constraints of Heung Kung Sho Road. The TD had also suggested providing a bus stop at Lam Kam Road Roundabout as an alternative proposal, but there had been no progress in the past few years.

(ii) There was a bend on Lam Kam Road near Lam Tsuen Wishing Square close to the bus stop in Hang Ha Po, Lam Tsuen (Tai Po bound). Many passengers waiting for buses there were worried and scared that buses making the bend at a high speed would result in accidents. As such, he and the village head had repeatedly

- 25 -

requested the TD to install railings in the vicinity of the bus stop, and he was not happy that no one from the department had contacted him for follow-up action.

(iii) The TD representative said at the previous meeting that he would provide the design drawings of the captioned project one to two weeks after the meeting, but had failed to do so in the end.

(iv) He suggested the TTC write to the Commissioner for Transport conveying the views that the department’s staff transfers had affected the progress of various district works, village road junctions and railing works, etc., and demanding him to seriously address and follow up on the issues.

78. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung said that the TD’s staff transfers might affect the projects’ progress, and hoped that Members could understand. He hoped that he could deal with Members’ requests as soon as possible, and would contact Mr. CHAN after the meeting to discuss ways to implement the captioned project. (3) Proposed provision of a vehicular bridge near Kwong Fuk Bridge

(TPDC Paper No. TT 15/2018) 79. The Chairman said that the Secretariat had earlier invited the HyD and the Drainage Services Department (“DSD”) to send representatives to attend this meeting to report on the latest progress. While the HyD and the DSD had not sent any representatives to the meeting, they had made a written reply. Details had been set out in TPDC Paper No. TT 15/2018. 80. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung commented that in the written reply, the HyD indicated that it would study and examine whether there were other feasible proposals to resolve the traffic issues with the TD. He added that the TD’s primary goal at present was still constructing Kwong Fuk Vehicular Bridge, and did not want it to be replaced by other alternative proposals. The department would study ways to accommodate the traffic operation of the vehicular bridge in future. 81. The Chairman said that the TTC had put forward a clear request of constructing Kwong Fuk Vehicular Bridge to connect the traffic on both sides of Lam Tsuen River. Citing the HyD’s comments when putting forward the preliminary design proposals earlier on, he said that as the DSD’s flood prevention standard was relatively high, the deck height of the vehicular bridge was three metres higher than either side of the river, and the design was inaccessible to the vehicles and pedestrians. As the proposed vehicular bridge was located at the upper stream, the TTC had asked the TD to put forward a request to the DSD to lower the flood prevention standard, so as to lower the deck height and minimise its shortcomings. He hoped that the HyD and the TD would study ways to implement this suggestion.

- 26 -

82. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung added he knew that the HyD and the DSD were studying ways to implement the TTC’s suggestions. He reiterated that the TD had no plans to replace Kwong Fuk Vehicular Bridge with other proposals, and would discuss and study with the HyD as regards the ways to implement Kwong Fuk Vehicular Bridge. 83. Mr. LI Kwok-ying said that different departments had different guidelines and difficulties of their own. As such, he hoped that the departments concerned could discuss the solutions through meetings, so as to co-ordinate with each other to resolve the problems. He pointed out that the deck height of other pedestrian footbridges across Lam Tsuen River was lower than the designed height of the proposed vehicular bridge. Even in the event of strong tide, these existing footbridges would have blocked most of the river water. As such, the height of the proposed vehicular bridge and its flood prevention standard did not have to be that high as compared with the design proposal. He reiterated that Kwong Fuk Vehicular Bridge had to be constructed and hoped that the DSD would lower the flood prevention standard of the vehicular bridge in a flexible manner based on the actual situation. 84. Mr. HUI Ka-kit indicated that he understood the TPDC’s high expectation on Kwong Fuk Vehicular Bridge. Due to the numerous technical difficulties in constructing Kwong Fuk Vehicular Bridge, the HyD had been communicating with the DSD in a proactive manner in the past and had reached the consensus set out in TPDC Paper No. TT 15/2018. He had also asked the Works Section colleagues about the situation and knew that they were faced with enormous technical difficulties. Therefore, the HyD would like to discuss with the TD and would be open to consider any proposal, so as to reach a consensus to respond to the TPDC’s requests. He would convey Members’ comments to the Works Section colleagues for further consideration. 85. The Chairman suggested convening a separate case meeting and inviting the HyD and the DSD representatives to attend, so as to follow up on the situation of Kwong Fuk Vehicular Bridge and come up with solutions. 86. Mr. LI Kwok-ying noted that the HyD’s difficulties or restrictions might originate from the requirements of other departments (such as the DSD, the TD, etc.). As such, he asked the departments concerned to discuss with each other so as to come up with the strategies, remove the roadblocks and resolve the problems. He agreed with the Chairman convening a case meeting, believing that Members could also comment from non-professional perspectives so as to inspire new ideas. (Post-meeting note: The Secretariat had called a meeting as requested by the TTC, and invited the

HyD, the DSD and the TD to send representatives to attend. However, as the HyD could not do so, the meeting was called off.)

- 27 -

(4) Request for more parking spaces in Tai Po 87. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung noted that the TD was studying the introduction of mechanical parking systems, etc., and would report to the TTC once further information was available. 88. Mr. CHAN Siu-kuen commented that while the population in the district was on the rise, there was a shortage of parking spaces and roads. Meanwhile, the Government had not carried out any long-term planning either and thus the situation was far from ideal. He pointed out that the residents often complained about road congestion and shortage of parking spaces. While these issues could not be resolved in a short period of time, he opined that strategies could be devised first, and hoped that Mr. CHEUNG could truthfully convey the problems to the senior TD staff. In the long run, he opined that the TTC also had to request the TD to provide more parking spaces and widen the roads, so as to reduce the occurrence of congestion. (5) Proposed addition of a lane / covered taxi stand next to the Kwong Fuk Roundabout 89. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung reported that the TD had earlier written to the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (“LCSD”) as regards the land right issues of Kwong Fuk Park Car Park. The LCSD replied that the car park had a tenancy agreement that was expected to expire in 2019. As such, the car park site could not be resumed for the time being. The TD would continue to follow up on the matter when the agreement concerned was about to expire. 90. The Chairman indicated that while the agreement of the car park would not expire until 2019, he opined that the TD could submit the relevant design drawings of the captioned project to the TTC for vetting first. Once the design proposal had been confirmed, the TD would have a clear idea as to how much land it had to apply from the LCSD. 91. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung said that the TD had earlier provided the design drawings concerned for the TTC, and he would provide the information concerned after the meeting. (Post-meeting note: The TD had submitted the design drawings concerned at the meeting on 10

November 2017.) 92. Mr. WAN Hing-choy opined that the taxi stand could be constructed at the space next to Kwong Fuk Roundabout alone, and it was not necessary to use the site of Kwong Fuk Park Car Park. 93. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung replied that construction of taxi stand required the corresponding road improvement works. As the site area overlapped some of the site of Kwong Fuk Park Car

- 28 -

Park, it had to apply to the LCSD for the site concerned. 94. Mr. WAN Hing-choy suggested arranging for an on-site inspection, which was welcomed by Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung. 95. The Chairman welcomed Members who were interested to inspect the site together. (Post-meeting note: The afore-mentioned inspection was carried out in the afternoon of 20 April

2018.) (6) Concerns over illegal parking in Tai Po District 96. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung reported that the TD was consulting the public as regards the improvement proposal of Po Heung Street. If there was no objection, the department would issue the works order. 97. Mr. Lawrence FU reported that in January and February 2018, Tai Po Police District took prosecution action against a total of 12 599 vehicles, representing an increase of 63% compared with the same period of last year. 98. Mr. AU Chun-wah asked whether the HKPF and the TD could refer to the legislation to deal with the following situation:

(i) A goods vehicle had been parked on Heung Sze Wui Square for a long period of time (over three months in succession), making use of the parking space to pick up and drop off goods.

(ii) Someone had kept a lot of pallets in Heung Sze Wui Square.

(iii) Some shop workers had put items such as jacks, vegetable baskets, etc. at the side of carriageway of Heung Sze Wui Street, obstructing the traffic and creating potential danger on the traffic.

99. Mr. YAM Man-chuen said that in light of the housing developments in Area 9, widening works might have to be carried out in Chung Nga Road, and the road outside the bus stop in Fu Heng Estate might turn into a single-lane two-way carriageway. As there were a lot of illegally parked vehicles (including large goods vehicles, coaches, etc.) every day, he was worried that after Chung Nga Road had turned into a single-lane two-way carriageway, any illegal parking would completely paralyse the traffic. As such, he hoped that the HKPF could pay attention to it and step up the enforcement efforts.

- 29 -

100. Citing the HKPF representative’s speech at the meeting of Environment, Housing and Works Committee on 7 March 2018, Mr LI Kwok-ying pointed out that the HKPF would take prosecution action on the illegally parked vehicles only if there was serious traffic congestion. In his opinion, it meant that while there were a lot of vehicles parked at both sides of the central divider on Po Heung Street, the HKPF would not take prosecution action as long as it was of the view that they were not seriously obstructing the traffic. He was not pleased with the HKPF’s prosecution standard and considered that if the HKPF did not take prosecution action on the vehicles parked at the central divider on Po Heung Street, painting yellow lines there would be of no use at all, and the TD could even consider cancelling the measure. 101. Mr. LAU Yung-wai pointed out that as there were a lot of eateries and shops on Mei Sun Lane, many vehicles were parked there which had led to serious congestion, and the vehicles passing by had to move onto the opposite lane so as to keep moving forward. On the other hand, there were a lot of elderly homes on Kau Hui Chik Street. If illegal parking had not been cracked down, rescue vehicles might not be able to reach there due to road congestion in the event of an accident. He did not want to see any accidents that would lead to injuries or deaths. As such, he hoped that the HKPF could visit the scene and take enforcement action in a serious manner. 102. Mr. CHOW Yuen-wai said that a vegetable stall on Heung Sze Wui Street near Tai Kwong Lane had often kept items such as trolleys and pallets at the side of the road. Vehicles passing by had to avoid them and had thus increased the chances of colliding with the vehicles on the adjacent lane. However, the HKPF insisted that such an act did not obstruct the traffic seriously and therefore refused to take enforcement action. He opined that these items placed at the side of the road had created potential danger on the traffic. The HKPF had the duty to deal with them and should not wait until someone had been injured or killed before taking action. 103. Mr. LO Hiu-fung indicated that many large vehicles were parked on Tat Wan Road every evening, and a lot of residents had informed him of the issues concerned. He knew that the TD allowed large vehicles to be parked at the road section in Lai Chi Shan near the highway in the evening (after 9 p.m.), but a lot of large vehicles were already parked there before 7 p.m. every day, and the queue of vehicles had once spanned all the way to the traffic lights in front of Wan Tau Tong Estate. With the population in Lai Chi Shan on the rise, a lone one-way carriageway connecting the area was no longer enough to cope with the traffic demand. Also, as vehicles could turn left onto the highway there, allowing large vehicles to be parked there on a continued basis would have an adverse impact on the overall traffic safety, and he hoped that the HKPF could step up its enforcement efforts there. 104. Mr. MAN Nim-chi said that the TD had earlier installed plastic bollards in the middle of some of the roads in the district (such as the road section between Treasure Garden and Li Fook Lam Indoor Sports Centre; between On Chee Road and Eightland Gardens; and in Tai Po Centre near On Pong Road and On Tai Road, etc.), which had, to a certain extent, reduced the number of

- 30 -

vehicles pulling up and picking up or dropping off passengers / goods at the side of the road. As such, apart from the HKPF’s continued enforcement efforts, he also hoped that the TD or the departments concerned would study installing such plastic bollards on On Ho Lane, Chui Lok Street, etc., so as to reduce the illegal parking of vehicles through a two-pronged approach. 105. Mr. WAN Hing-choy pointed out that the taxi stands on Po Heung Street, Mei Sun Lane and in Tai Po Centre were occupied by private vehicles on a long-term basis, but Police Officers would only ask the vehicles to go away without taking prosecution action. Also, while Mei Sun Lane was a two-lane carriageway, only one of the lanes could be used in the evening on a long-term basis (as the other lane was occupied by the illegally parked vehicles). He hoped that the HKPF could pay attention to the situation. 106. Mr. YU Chi-wing, Ken noted that a lot of large vehicles were parked on Tai Wan Road and there had been fatal traffic accidents before. Residents of some of the residential developments there, such as those in Wun Yiu and Hilltop Garden, had complained that these large vehicles and other vehicles had begun parking there earlier and earlier. He hoped that the HKPF could pay more attention to the situation of Tat Wan Road to safeguard public safety. 107. The Chairman indicated that he had earlier written to the HKPF demanding the deployment of additional traffic wardens to serve Tai Po District, and was still awaiting the HKPF’s reply. In addition, he asked the HKPF of the 12 599 vehicles prosecuted in January and February 2018, how many were prosecuted at the central divider on Po Heung Street. 108. Mr. Lawrence FU responded as follows:

(i) It was against the law for anyone to park a vehicle at a paid metered parking space for a continuous period of more than 24 hours. As the person concerned who had moved the vehicle slightly within the 24-hour period would not be regarded as having parked the vehicle for a continuous period, the HKPF was faced with considerable difficulties as far as enforcement efforts were concerned.

(ii) The HKPF would take enforcement action once it was found that someone had parked the vehicle at a metered parking space without paying.

(iii) The HKPF had taken suitable actions at Heung Sze Wui Square to deal with the illegally parked vehicles with other departments concerned, and the situation had improved at present. The HKPF would pay more attention to the situation and continue to follow up proactively on the illegal parking problems at Heung Sze Wui Square.

(iv) Tai Po Police District spared no efforts in taking prosecution action against the illegally parked vehicles. It had also stepped up its enforcement efforts and the number of prosecutions was on the rise. However, due to the shortage of Police

- 31 -

Officers and heavy workload, it was in fact impossible for them to remain at the same location to monitor illegal parking. Nevertheless, the HKPF valued Members’ comments and would follow up accordingly.

109. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung noted Members’ suggestion of installing plastic bollards on the roads but had to consider other factors as well, such as whether the installation of plastic bollards would affect the width of the roads, etc. The TD would review the road condition on a regular basis and take suitable measures to improve the road environment. 110. Mr. YAM Man-chuen understood that the HKPF only had limited manpower, but it should not shift its responsibility as a law enforcement department. Also, he considered that driver’s attitude was also one of the crucial factors. If the penalty for illegal parking was not severe enough (like the fine for penalty tickets was too low), it would not be deterrent enough either. As such, he suggested writing to the Legislative Council or the Office of the Chief Executive (“CEO”) demanding for legislative amendments to increase the penalty for illegal parking so as to reduce illegal parking on the part of drivers. 111. Mr. LI Kwok-ying said that Members requested the HKPF to step up its efforts against illegal parking at every meeting. While the number of prosecutions of the HKPF against illegal parking in Tai Po District had increased, illegal parking was still rampant in the district, while it was also a fact that the HKPF had a shortage of manpower. He asked whether the TD could enhance the road markings so that the HKPF had to take prosecution action against the illegally parked vehicles. 112. Mr. AU Chun-wah’s comments were as follows:

(i) Citing the comments of other TD officers, he pointed out that installing plastic bollards at some of the locations was feasible, and was quite effective in reducing illegal parking. However, due to the routine maintenance issues involved, the department had reservations about installing these plastic bollards.

(ii) Members and representatives of the TD and the HKPF had inspected the illegal parking situation in the district on a number of occasions, and suggested installing plastic bollards due to the lack of other feasible alternatives to reduce illegal parking. However, as the senior TD staff had alternative views, frontline officers had shelved the installation of plastic bollards.

(iii) As frontline officers might not be able to convey Members’ comments to the senior TD staff, he suggested inviting the Chief Transport Officer of Tai Po District to attend the TTC meetings, so as not to waste Members’ time and to prevent frontline officers from being blamed for no reason at all.

- 32 -

(iv) Had the HKPF deployed any officers to patrol Heung Sze Wui Square to confirm whether the afore-mentioned goods vehicle had been parked for a continuous period of over 24 hours? If the metered parking space had been occupied by the same goods vehicle on a long-term basis, the TD and the HKPF should consider whether the metered parking space concerned was suitable to remain one for goods vehicles.

(v) It was said that a department had suggested making changes to two metered parking spaces for goods vehicles at Heung Sze Wui Square, such as turning them into parking spaces for private vehicles, to resolve the long-term occupation of parking space by that goods vehicle. However, the proposal ended up with nothing definite, and at present no department could tell whether similar suggestions had been mentioned. He would like to know whether the HKPF and the TD had taken part in the inter-departmental meetings co-ordinated by the TPDO. If no, he asked the two departments to find out the situation and reply him at the next meeting.

(vi) The Government had considerable difficulties in recruiting Traffic Wardens. As not enough manpower had been recruited, the manpower deployed to all the districts was insufficient as well. Even though the TTC had earlier written to the HKPF requesting for the deployment of additional manpower, the number of Traffic Wardens in Tai Po District could not be increased. As such, he demanded the HKPF headquarters recruit a considerable number of Traffic Wardens so as to uproot illegal parking and other traffic issues.

(vii) He acknowledged the wide array of work of the HKPF and agreed that urgent cases had to be dealt with first. Therefore, the HKPF could recruit more Traffic Wardens designated to deal with traffic problems, and he believed that Members from different parties would all agree with this funding allocation. As policy areas were involved, he suggested the TTC consider writing to the STH to convey their views.

(viii) On Friday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, illegal parking and congestion in the On Pong Road and On Tai Road area of Tai Po Centre were more serious than on weekdays, and the queue of vehicles would jam all the way back to Nam Wan Road or even Tai Wo Road. However, every time he called the reporting centre, the staff there would only say that there were more vehicles on holidays, that it was nothing unusual, and that he should be patient. He was not pleased with the reply of the staff of the reporting centre.

113. Mr. LAU Yung-wai also shared his experience of one time he called the reporting centre, and criticised the HKPF’s response and its tardiness in dealing with traffic problems. He opined that the lack of serious enforcement action by the HKPF was one of the reasons for the rampant illegal parking problem. Also, as the HKPF did not take enforcement action on a frequent basis, drivers were not afraid of violating the law and would take chances in parking their vehicles illegally on a

- 33 -

continued basis. As a result, the problem could not be uprooted. He opined that the HKPF should take the initiatives to carry out enforcement action in busy areas where there would definitely be illegal parking, such as Mei Sun Lane, Tai Po Market, Tai Po Centre, etc., rather than take a passive approach and take action only after receiving complaints from members of the public. If the HKPF, as a law enforcement department, was unwilling to deal with traffic problems and ignore them, it would be different from public expectation and the situation would be far from ideal. Therefore, as a short-term measure, he hoped that the TTC wrote to the policy bureaux concerned demanding the recruitment of additional Traffic Wardens and enhance the efforts against illegal parking. In the long run, the TTC should also demand the Government to amend the law to increase the penalty for illegal parking. 114. Mr. MUI Siu-fung’s comments were as follows:

(i) He acknowledged the pressure of the frontline officers of the HKPF, and suggested the TTC write to the HKPF demanding for additional manpower.

(ii) Different vehicles were often parked outside Hang Seng Bank on On Chee Road, obstructing the buses leaving Tai Po Centre and affecting the operation of the bus terminus. He hoped that the HKPF could address the problem.

(iii) Drivers would keep honking the horns whenever there was congestion on On Tai Road. He had written to the TD in 2015 demanding the designation of On Pong Road and On Tai Road as a “No honking zone”, but the department had not given any direct response. He pointed out that the situation at the above area remained the same, and the residents nearby continued to be bothered by the honking of horns. He hoped that the HKPF and the TD would follow up on the problem in a proactive manner.

115. Mr. WOO Kin-man, Clement, the Vice-chairman, pointed out that policy was the ultimate reason for the enormous work pressure of frontline officers. Due to the shortage of parking spaces at present, it was difficult for drivers to find a parking space in car parks. As a result, they could only park their vehicles illegally at the side of the road for activities like shopping, etc. He pointed out that a lot of residents and people from other districts would come to Tai Po District for shopping and fun on weekends. He hoped that the Government could increase the supply of parking spaces, such as constructing multi-storey car parks, as well as providing more parking spaces for private vehicles using government sites. 116. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung said that he had participated in the inter-departmental meetings co-ordinated by the TPDO. He pointed out that if circumstances allowed, the TD would consider making changes to the two parking spaces for goods vehicles at Heung Sze Wui Square and brief Mr. AU Chun-wah on the situation as soon as possible.

- 34 -

117. Mr. Lawrence FU responded as follows:

(i) For the time being, there was no information showing that there would be an increase in the number of Traffic Wardens.

(ii) As regards a Member’s enquiry about the number of times the HKPF checked whether the goods vehicle parked at Heung Sze Wui Square on a long-term basis had been parked for a continuous period of more than 24 hours, the HKPF would provide the information concerned at the next meeting.

(iii) The HKPF received a lot of complaints every day and had to deal with criminal cases as well. As such, it might not be able to deploy officers dedicated for dealing with traffic matters. He pointed out that the HKPF had been working very hard to deal with the complaints and hoped that Members could understand.

118. Mr. AU Chun-wah said that regardless of whether the drivers were Tai Po residents or from other districts visiting for fun, the HKPF should treat them the same and take strict prosecution action against the illegally parked vehicles. 119. Mr. YAM Man-chuen indicated that apart from demanding the HKPF to increase manpower, the TTC had also put forward policy-related suggestions, such as amending the legislation on parking, increasing the penalty for illegal parking, increase the number of parking spaces, etc. As the TTC had not received any positive responses after writing to the Secretary or Director concerned earlier, he suggested writing to the CEO to put forward their suggestions. 120. Mr. LO Hiu-fung commented that the illegal parking in the Tai Po Centre area that Members were talking about earlier was mainly due to the shortage of parking spaces in the area. As such, he suggested providing more parking spaces at the government site on On Pong Road. 121. The Chairman said that he also hoped that more parking spaces would be provided at the government site on On Pong Road. However, as the Planning Department (“Plan D”) had advised on the planning issues and the Town Planning Board (“TPB”) might also be examining the projects concerned, he was worried that any changes would affect the projects’ progress. If the planning proposal concerned had not been implemented, he hoped that the Plan D would consider providing more parking spaces there. 122. Mr. AU Chun-wah added that the TPB only examined the changes to the building height restriction of the site on On Pong Road, while the Food and Health Bureau (the policy bureau responsible for the projects concerned) had the authority to decide whether to construct underground car parks by making use of the underground space. As such, when other committees discussed this item in future, they could once again put forward the suggestion of constructing underground car parks to the Administration.

- 35 -

123. Mr. TAM Wing-fun, Eric’s comments were as follows:

(i) While the building height restriction of the On Pong Road project was eight storeys, he considered that they could study whether the underground space could be used for constructing car parks.

(ii) Frontline Police Officers had to deal with a wide array of work. As such, he hoped that the HKPF could deploy more Traffic Wardens to Tai Po District dedicated for traffic matters.

(iii) City One Shatin had been known for prohibiting vehicles from parking on the private roads there. Any vehicles in breach of the regulations would be locked up quickly and many drivers had been deterred from parking their vehicles there. The residential development hired a contractor to help lock up the vehicles by splitting the revenue. He opined that the HKPF could also make reference to this mode of operation, such as requiring Traffic Wardens to prosecute a certain number of vehicles for maintaining their salary level, so as to improve the illegal parking situation in the district.

124. The Chairman agreed that the TTC should write to the CEO to forward the comments. (Post-meeting note: The Secretariat wrote to the CEO on 25 April 2018.) (7) Improving the facilities of Tolo Highway 125. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung indicated that the TD had issued the works order and would paint double white lines at parts of the Kowloon bound Tolo Highway near Yuen Chau Tsai. As regards the congestion at the section of Tolo Highway connecting Tate’s Cairn Tunnel, the department was asking his colleagues in Sha Tin District about the situation, and would provide further information for the TTC later. 126. Mr. MAN Nim-chi said that at the previous meeting, he put forward several suggestions such as increasing the number of “Keep Left Unless Overtaking” road signs on Tolo Highway, etc. He asked which department was responsible for the matters concerned, and whether that department was following up on or studying if the number of road signs on Tolo Highway was sufficient. 127. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung noted that he did not have the relevant information at the moment, but would contact Mr. MAN after the meeting to follow up. 128. Mr. KWAN Wing-yip said that the TD often said that it would reply Members or follow up

- 36 -

on the matter after the meeting. He asked whether it was because the department did not have any solution for the time being, or it did but no information was available. He pointed out that if it gave such replies in every meeting, discussion would be difficult. 129. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung responded as follows:

(i) The TD was responsible for the provision of road signs, and he would also expedite the study and follow up on the suggestion of increasing the number of “Keep Left Unless Overtaking” road signs.

(ii) The HKPF’s prosecution action was necessary to resolve the issue of slow-moving vehicles travelling on the fast lane.

(iii) He and his colleagues of Sha Tin District were following up on the provision of double white lines on the fast lane of the slip road to Tate’s Cairn Tunnel. As no decision had been made, no further information could be provided.

130. The Chairman asked the TD to report on the progress at the next meeting. (8) Extending the lay-by at Tai Wo bus stop

(TPDC Paper No. TT 16/2018) 131. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung noted that the TD had carried out an area consultation as regards the captioned matter. Since opposing views had been received, the TD would not carry out the project for the time being. He sought the TTC’s comments for further follow-up action. 132. The Chairman asked the TD whether the opposing views had sufficient grounds and were worthy of consideration. 133. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung commented that those who opposed the project opined that carrying out the afore-mentioned project would attract more vehicles to stay there, which would worsen the traffic situation. As the TD found the concern not totally unsubstantiated, it would like to consult the TTC to study what should be done next. 134. Mr. CHOW Yuen-wai was shocked by and angry with the TD’s report. He pointed out that this suggestion had been endorsed by the TTC earlier, and the TD did not inform him that opposing views had been received or provide any information afterwards. He pointed out that the TTC had endorsed the project and he, the DC Member of the constituency concerned, as well as other DC Members of the rural area also supported the project. He asked whether the TD had shelved the works simply because there were opposing views that it “might” lead to congestion? He found the department’s ways of doing things ridiculous.

- 37 -

135. Mr. Ken YU agreed that the TD’s ways of doing things was ridiculous. He pointed out that there were frequent cases where the entire project had been delayed by a single opposing view, and opined that government departments should review whether the opposing view was reasonable. If it was, there should be further discussions. If it was not and if it would not pose any problems to the project, the project should keep going. He hoped that the TD would not adhere to rigid rules, but study the opposing view with the Members who put forward the proposal so that they could understand the situation. 136. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung said that the TD dealt with the problems with an open mind and would contact Mr. CHOW to follow up on what should be done next. 137. Mr. CHOW Yuen-wai noted that he and the previous Engineer had inspected the site a number of times, and he as well as DC Members of the rural area also agreed with the project. As such, he asked what else had to be discussed. He pointed out that the department had shelved the project in a hurried manner without providing any details of the opposing views, such as the volume and source of the opposing views, how they were submitted, etc. He was not pleased that such a simple project had to be delayed repeatedly as well. 138. The Chairman asked whether the TD could rule that the opposing views were invalid (such as writing to the persons who put forward the opposing views setting out the reasons why the view was not substantiated). Otherwise, there were problems in the system if the projects had to be shelved whenever opposing views had been received. 139. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung noted that the TTC supported the afore-mentioned project. However, as far as the system was concerned, the TD had to carry out an area consultation for these works projects. As regards the opposing views received, the department would study ways to deal with it. However, he stressed that the department would review the suggestions again and contact the DC Members concerned for what to do next. 140. Mr. Ken YU pointed out that the traffic improvement works at Wan Tau Tong Bus Terminus had been discussed for a long time. However, area consultation had not been carried out yet and he opined that there were problems in the TD’s organisation. In addition, he was not happy that the TD officers had not carried out the handover properly, where the projects they had been following up on had disappeared into thin air. He opined that the department should step up the supervision of the subordinates’ work. He also hoped to invite even more senior officers of the department to attend the next meeting, so that they could understand the progress of various traffic improvement works in the district and follow up accordingly. 141. Mr. LAU Yung-wai criticised the TD for failing to determine whether these opposing views were reasonable before calling off the project, and asked the department again whether there was

- 38 -

any mechanism to determine if the opposing views received from the area consultation were valid. 142. Mr. CHOW Yuen-wai understood that there might be objections in every project. If the TD could provide information for those who opposed the project, DC Members, being the gateway for communication, could also help follow up on the matter. He pointed out that the project had been endorsed by the TTC and there were relevant records the public could refer to. If the project could not be implemented in the end, it would be difficult for him to explain to the public. 143. Mr. YAM Man-chuen considered that the TD’s staff transfers were so frequent that the successors often had no idea which projects the district was following up on. He opined that the TD should address the issue, while the TTC should also forward the comments to the senior TD officers. 144. Mr. Ken YU hoped that before carrying out area consultation, the TD could pay more attention to and accord priority to DC Members’ comments. 145. The Chairman said that extending the lay-by at Tai Wo Bus Terminus was a project that Members had been fighting for over a long period of time, and he did not want it shelved because of a single opposing view. However, after receiving the opposing views, other departments would also deal with them according to the mechanism (such as writing to explain the situation, etc.). He hoped that the TD would also deal with the opposing views through the internal mechanism so as to implement the project as soon as possible. 146. Mr. CHOW Yuen-wai asked the TD to contact him after the meeting and hoped that there would be decisions before the next meeting. 147. The Chairman suggested Mr. CHOW can also take the initiatives to contact the TD for follow-up action. In addition, he reiterated that the TTC had rarely discussed individual district works projects in the past, and widening the lay-by at Tai Wo Bus Terminus was one of those projects. He suggested Members maintain communication with the TD outside the TTC so as to resolve the problems quickly. (9) Setting up a bus stop at Lam Kam Road Roundabout

(TPDC Paper No. TT 17/2018) 148. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung said that the TD was carrying out a technical study and assessment as regards the steering of buses and would follow up on the matter as soon as possible. 149. The Chairman indicated that the TD had submitted the drawings concerned earlier and had launched discussions at the TTC. Members had also made comments back then and hoped that

- 39 -

the department would take follow-up action as soon as possible. 150. Ms. Flora MA commented that the TD had discussed with the bus companies as regards the routes that would use the bus stop in future. She would provide the information concerned for the DC Members of the constituencies concerned and discuss the other operation details after the meeting.

V. Situation report on traffic improvement works completed in the past two months and to be carried out in the next three months in Tai Po District by the Highways Department (TPDC Paper No. TT 18/2018) 151. Mr. HUI Ka-kit asked Members to note the captioned paper. 152. Mr. KWAN Wing-yip noticed damage in the bollards and junctions of several cycle tracks in Tai Po District. He purposefully did not complain to the HyD, and in the end the department still had not repaired them more than two months later. As such, he would like to know how the HyD carried out the routine examination and repair work, and whether it would deploy colleagues to check whether these facilities had been damaged on a regular basis. In addition, with the launch of the Universal Accessibility Programme, the number of elevators in the district had increased. However, some members of the public complained that the hygiene situation of the elevators was poor. He asked the department how often it would carry out routine and more thorough cleaning work for the elevators. 153. Mr. Ken YU was not pleased that the TD still had not incorporated the improvement works at Wan Tau Tong Bus Terminus into the captioned list of traffic improvement works, and criticised the TD colleagues for not carrying out the handover properly before leaving the post. He pointed out that he, several Members and the TD representatives had inspected the site at Wan Tau Tong Bus Terminus on numerous occasions and discussed the improvement proposals. The TD finally put forward the improvement proposals, which had been implemented eventually, after they had been following up on the situation for a long period of time. However, the TD officers responsible for the project had not carried out the handover properly before transfer. As such, the incoming colleague had no idea about the improvement works at Wan Tau Tong Bus Terminus. He opined that there were serious problems in the TD’s operation and, therefore, suggested the TTC write to the TD to reflect the problems. 154. The Chairman found staff transfers in government departments inevitable. He would invite the newly reported officers to inspect the district so that they could understand the problems in person and follow up accordingly. 155. Mr. WU Cheuk-him pointed out that he had seen workers covering the damaged bollards

- 40 -

with traffic cones so as to finish the work quickly, which would easily lead to danger. He asked whether the HyD could check the condition of the bollards on all the cycle tracks in Tai Po District. In addition, as the base of the bollards might have suffered various degrees of damage and some of them were also more vulnerable, he suggested the HyD check the base as well while checking the bollards, and should not wait until they had been damaged before replacing them. 156. Mr. LO Hiu-fung said that in light of the staff transfers of the TD, he would like to mention the unfinished projects in his constituency and hoped that the department could take follow-up action. The projects included improving the pedestrian crossing in Pan Chung Tsuen, painting yellow box marking in Elegance Garden, setting up pile caps in Kam Shan Tsuen, widening the pavement in Shek Kwu Lung Tsuen, providing sign boards and painting white box marking in Classical Gardens near Phase 4, as well as paining white lines on Ma Wo Road. 157. Mr. LAU Yung-wai said that a number of TD officers had been transferred since he assumed duty, and on each occasion it was necessary to visit the district with the incoming officer again, thus increasing the workload and burden of DC Members. For instance, he said that the TD had earlier said that it would improve the blind spot at a pedestrian crossing on Tai Po Tau Road. However, no follow-up action had been taken after the responsible officer had been transferred. He reiterated that while staff transfer itself was not a problem, there had to be a proper handover. He suggested that the officers about to be transferred should set out the cases in every constituency, so that the incoming officer would have a clear idea of what items his predecessor and DC Members were following up on. Otherwise, they would have to explain the situation to the incoming officer all over again on every transfer which would be really annoying. He would like to convey the above problems to the TD. 158. Mr. YAM Man-chuen pointed out that in addition to the TD’s Project Section, there were frequent staff transfers in the TD’s Transport Operations Division as well. He knew that the newly arrived frontline officers had been working diligently, but it was hard to pick up everything in a short period of time. As such, the TD should avoid transferring staff members on a frequent basis. Also, he knew that the TD’s frontline officers had to deal with a wide array of work, and it was difficult for the current manpower to deal with such a heavy workload. Therefore, he opined that the TD had to deploy additional manpower, and he hoped that the TTC would write to the TD to reflect their comments. 159. The Chairman agreed that frequent staff transfers would affect their work. He asked the TD how many Engineers were responsible for the matters in Tai Po District at present. 160. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung said that there were three Engineer posts, shared by two Engineers, in the Project Section in Tai Po District at present. He added that due to the accident on Tai Po Road not long ago, the TD had to be fully engaged in the post-accident follow-up work. As such, it was unable to release manpower resources to deal with other projects. He said that as a TD

- 41 -

Engineer of Tai Po District, he also hoped that more could be achieved by the traffic improvement projects in the district. However, there was a shortage of manpower during this period, and he hoped that the situation would improve. 161. The Chairman said that this agenda item was about the HyD’s report on the traffic improvement projects in the past two months and those to be carried out in the next three months. All the works projects set out in the paper had been referred to the HyD for follow-up action, while the projects that had not been referred to the HyD for follow-up action (including those being examined by the TD) were not included. He added that it would be more appropriate for DC Members to directly contact the TD for follow-up action as regards the minor traffic improvement works in individual areas. If all these projects were to be discussed at the TTC, the TTC would not be able to handle them all. As for Members’ comments relating to the TD’s staff transfers and manpower, he would convey them to the TD and report on the situation at the next meeting. 162. Mr. AU Chun-wah’s comments were as follows:

(i) He suggested the more senior officer among the TD’s representatives at the meeting convey the afore-mentioned Members’ comments to the department.

(ii) He opined that a stable manpower was crucial. However, the frequent staff transfers in the TD in the past might be related to Members’ dissatisfaction with the work efficiency or attitude of the previous officers. Therefore, Members also had to shoulder the responsibilities and deal with the impact of the transfer of TD officers to a certain extent. Nevertheless, he reiterated that this should not be an excuse and he himself would also continue to contact the officers that had been transferred to ensure that proper follow-up action would be taken for the projects.

(iii) Due to the manpower shortage of the TD, it was hard for the frontline officers to deal with all the work items. As such, he found it necessary to find out from the Commissioner for Transport or the Chief Transport Officer the reasons for the long-term manpower shortage in Tai Po District (such as there were often only one to two Engineers), and demand them to deploy three Engineers to deal with the matters in Tai Po District.

(iv) If it was not suitable for the TD’s representatives at the meeting to respond to Members’ questions or if they could not do so, he considered that the department should deploy more senior officers to attend the meetings to resolve the problems.

163. Mr. Ken YU opined that how to carry out the handover was the crux of the problem, and it had nothing to do with staff transfer. He pointed out that the TD should have all sorts of records and the succeeding officer only had to go through them to find out the progress of the projects, and it was impossible for them to know nothing about it. He noted that after the transfer of TD officers, it was like every project would have to start from the beginning again. Had he not asked

- 42 -

about the projects’ progress, the succeeding officer might have no idea about the project, and that was what he was worried about. 164. Mr. MAN Nim-chi was disappointed with the TD’s performance. He opined that even if the former officer had not explained all the follow-up work properly, the succeeding officer still had the duty to take the initiatives to ask about the progress of every project, and had to finish the work even more quickly. 165. Mr. LAU Yung-wai considered that the root of the problem was the manpower shortage in the TD’s Project Section, where the incumbent officer had to pick up the workload of two officers. As he was unable to deal with loads of district works projects at the same time, he could not hand over all the jobs to his successor by the time he was transferred, thus creating a vicious cycle. He stressed that he could understand the frontline officers’ oversights at work while discharging the duties of other officers at the same time, and he did not know whether the manpower shortage was a structural problem in the entire TD or happened in Tai Po District only. Therefore, he suggested the department deploy additional manpower to resolve the problem. Also, he opined that there was no conflict of interest for the Chairman expressing his views to the TD officers and writing to the Commissioner for Transport. As such, he expressed his hope that the Chairman could help forward their comments, and that the TTC also had to write to the Commissioner for Transport to show its concerns about handover and manpower shortage. 166. Mr. CHOW Yuen-wai said that while he did not want to discuss minor improvement works in the district in Matters arising, progress of the projects could be recorded through the discussion at the meeting. Apart from discussion at the TTC, he hoped that in future, follow-up action would be taken at a higher level, or the Chairman would provide assistance in this regard. 167. Mr. HUI Ka-kit responded as follows:

(i) The HyD noticed that the bollards on some of the cycle tracks had come loose.

(ii) The department would decide on the number of inspection of cycle tracks according to their usage rate, and they would be inspected once every seven days at most. As regards Members’ comments on the bollards, he would contact his colleagues at the Maintenance Division to try to inspect the relevant bollards at the cycle tracks on a targeted basis, so that it would be less likely for them to come loose.

(iii) The HyD deployed staff to clean the elevators on a daily basis, while the cleaning work at places other than elevators (such as elevator shafts, etc.) would be carried out after the elevators had stopped operation. As some of the elevators were still in the contract maintenance period, the number of times that they were cleaned might be different from that of the HyD. He could provide Members with the cleaning schedules of individual elevators after the meeting.

- 43 -

(iv) He believed that Engineers of all government departments would deal with Members’ requests in a professional manner. However, the earlier accident on Tai Po Road had brought about considerable workload to the Engineers of the TD and the HyD. If there was anything the officers of these two departments had failed to do properly during this period of time, he would like to apologise to Members. In addition, he would also like to have the opportunity to meet all the Members with the TD Engineers so as to follow up on their requests in a proactive manner.

168. The Chairman noted that he would forward Members’ concerns to the TD.

VI. Reports of working groups (1) Working Group on Provision of Public Bus and Minibus Services 169. The Secretary reported the following on behalf of Ms. WONG Pik-kiu, Chairman of the Working Group:

(i) The Working Group convened its second meeting in 2018 on 9 March 2018.

(ii) The TD sought Members’ comments as regards the Route Planning Programme 2018-2019 of Tai Po District, and would report on the follow-up action at the next Working Group meeting.

(iii) Regarding public bus services, the Working Group, the TD and the bus companies discussed the service improvement proposals for routes N373, 73B and 275R, as well as for the route 271 series.

(iv) Regarding green minibus services, the Working Group discussed the service improvement proposals for routes 26A, 20K, 807K and 20B.

(v) The Working Group would continue to follow up on the situation of the bus and minibus routes above and report the actual changes to the TTC if there was any.

(2) Working Group on Road Works Concerning “Tolo Highway / Fanling Highway /

Liantang Boundary Control Point” (Tai Po Section) 170. Dr. LAU Chee-sing reported as the Chairman of the Working Group that the Working Group had not held any meeting recently. As the works projects the Working Group had been following up on were close to completion, to release a quota for the TTC to set up other permanent Working Groups to deal with the bicycle and road safety matters in the district, the next agenda item would be to discuss whether to dissolve this Working Group, and Members were welcomed to comment

- 44 -

on it. (3) Working Group on Improvements to Major Roads in Rural Areas 171. The Secretary reported on behalf of Mr. Patrick TANG, Chairman of the Working Group, that the Working Group on Improvements to Major Roads in Rural Areas convened its first meeting in 2018 on 30 January 2018, following up on the improvement projects on Lam Kam Road, Ting Kok Road and Sai Sha Road. The Working Group would continue to follow up on the progress of all the projects, and the Secretariat would inform Members to attend the meeting when the date of the next meeting had been confirmed. (4) Working Group on Road Safety Campaign and Cycling Network Development 172. Mr. Clement WOO reported as the Chairman of the Working Group that the Working Group on Road Safety Campaign and Cycling Network Development continued to follow up on the activities held this year and discuss the bicycle-related matters in the district. He said that “Tai Po District Road Safety Carnival (2017-2018)” and “Tai Po District Academia Road and Traffic Safety Competition cum Promotion 2017/18” had been completed. He thanked the partnering organisations and participants for their active participation in the activity, believing that it could effectively promote the message of road traffic safety. In addition, he pointed out that the term of the Working Group had expired on 19 February 2018, and he asked the TTC to consider whether to set up a new Working Group on Road Safety Campaign and Cycling Network Development, so that the Working Group could continue to follow up on the bicycle-related matters in Tai Po District, and deal with the funding allocation matters relating to road traffic safety.

VII. Dissolving and setting up of working groups (TPDC Paper No. TT 19/2018) 173. The Chairman said that this agenda item sought Members’ comments on dissolving the Working Group on Road Works Concerning “Tolo Highway / Fanling Highway / Liantang Boundary Control Point” (Tai Po Section) under the TTC; on setting up the Working Group on Road Safety Campaign and Cycling Network Development; and on formulating its term and terms of reference. Please refer to TPDC Paper No. TT 19/2018 for details. 174. The TTC endorsed the following matters:

(i) Dissolve the Working Group on Road Works Concerning “Tolo Highway / Fanling Highway / Liantang Boundary Control Point” (Tai Po Section).

- 45 -

(ii) Set up the Working Group on Road Safety Campaign and Cycling Network Development according to the name, term and terms of reference of the Working Group set out in TPDC Paper No. TT 19/2018.

175. The Chairman asked Members to nominate the Chairman of the Working Group. 176. Mr. Eric TAM nominated Mr. Clement WOO as the Chairman of the Working Group and was seconded by Mr. CHAN Siu-kuen. Mr. Clement WOO accepted the nomination. 177. The Chairman announced that as Mr. Clement WOO was the sole nominee, he had been elected as the Chairman of the Working Group on Road Safety Campaign and Cycling Network Development uncontested. Also, he asked the Secretariat to write to Members after the meeting inviting them to join the Working Group. (Post-meeting note: The Secretariat wrote to Members inviting them to join the Working Group on

19 March 2018.)

VIII. Any other business (1) Service adjustment of route 271B 178. The Chairman said that details as regards the service adjustment of route 271B had been put on the meeting desk for Members’ notice.

IX. Date of next meeting 179. The Chairman announced that the next meeting would be held at 2:30 p.m. on 11 May 2018 (Friday). 180. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:13 p.m.

Tai Po District Council Secretariat April 2018