The minutes were confirmed on 8.3.2018 without amendment.

Minutes of the First Meeting of the Traffic and Transport Committee under the District Council in 2018

Date : 11 January 2018 (Thursday) Time : 10:00 a.m. – 1:50 p.m. Venue : Conference Room, Council, 13/F., Yuen Long Government Offices, 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long

Present Time of Arrival Time of Withdrawal Chairman: Mr CHING Chan-ming Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Vice-chairman: Mr MAK Ip-sing Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Members: Mr CHAM Ka-hung, Daniel, Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting BBS, MH, JP Ms CHAN Mei-lin Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr CHAN Sze-ching 10:10 a.m. End of the meeting Mr CHEUNG Muk-lam Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Ms CHIU Sau-han, MH Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr CHOW Wing-kan Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr KWOK Hing-ping Beginning of the meeting 12:15 p.m. Mr KWOK Keung, MH Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Ms LAU Kwai-yung 10:15 a.m. End of the meeting Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH 10:50 a.m. 1:40 p.m. Mr LEUNG Ming-kin Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Ms MA Shuk-yin 10:30 a.m. End of the meeting Mr MAN Kwong-ming Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr MAN Ping-nam, MH Beginning of the meeting 12:50 p.m. Mr SHUM Ho-kit Beginning of the meeting 11:30 a.m. Mr SIU Long-ming 10:30 a.m. 1:35 p.m. Mr TANG Cheuk-yin Beginning of the meeting 12:00 noon Mr TANG Hing-ip, BBS Beginning of the meeting 12:45 p.m. Mr TANG Ka-leung 10:10 a.m. End of the meeting Mr TANG Yung-yiu, Ronnie Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr TO Ka-lun Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr WONG Cheuk-kin Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Ms WONG Wai-ling 10:10 a.m. 12:15 p.m. Mr WONG Wai-shun, MH 10:10 a.m. End of the meeting Mr WONG Wai-yin, Zachary 10:20 a.m. End of the meeting Mr YOUNG Ka-on 10:10 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Ms YUEN Man-yee Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Co-opted members: Mr CHAN Tin-yam 10:10 a.m. End of the meeting Mr CHEUNG Wai-sum Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr CHUI Kwan-siu Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Ms KWOK Ching-yin Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr LAM Ting-wai Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr LI Kai-lap, Riben Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr NG Ka-leung Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr TANG Kam-fai Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr TANG Wing-ming, Jim Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting

Secretary Miss Cherry NG Executive Officer (District Council)2, Yuen Long District Council

In Attendance Ms MAK Ka-ying, Carren Assistant District Officer (Yuen Long) 2 Ms TAM Lok-yan, Carol Senior Transport Officer/Yuen Long 1, Transport

Department Mr LEUNG Ka-lok, Kelvin Senior Transport Officer/Yuen Long 2, Transport

Department Mr YEUNG Shiu-wing, Chris Engineer/Yuen Long East, Transport Department Mr MAN Ka-ho, Wilson Engineer/Yuen Long West, Transport Department Mr AU Man-yu, Derek Engineer/Yuen Long Central, Transport

Department Mr SHIH Yung-chi District Engineer/Yuen Long (West), Highways

Department Mr LI Yuk-tsz Engineer/16 (New Territories West), Civil

Engineering and Development Department Mr HO Shun-wing District Operations Officer (Yuen Long District),

Hong Kong Police Force Mr WONG Sai-ho Officer-in-charge of District Traffic Team (Yuen

Long), Hong Kong Police Force Ms POON Wai-yuen Housing Manager/YLG5, Housing Department Mr NG Ping-tong Administrative Assistant/Lands (District Lands

Office, Yuen Long), Lands Department

Item 2 Ms SIN Kai-wai, Marie Senior Transport Officer/Railway 5, Transport

Department Mr KWOK Yue-fung, Samuel Transport Officer/Railway 5, Transport

Department

Item 3(3) Mr LAM Man-kwong Senior Engineer/Railways 2, Electrical and

Mechanical Services Department Ms LAM Yuen Assistant Public Relations Manager-External

(transliteration) Affairs, MTR Corporation Limited

Item 3(4) and (5) Ms Amanda HUNG Assistant Manager (Operations), The Kowloon

Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd.

Absent The Hon KWONG Chun-yu Mr LAI Wai-hung (Absent with apologies) Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen (Absent with apologies) Mr LUI Kin, MH (Absent with apologies) Mr LUK Chung-hung (Absent with apologies) Mr TANG Cheuk-him (Absent with apologies) Mr YIU Kwok-wai Mr CHUNG Chau-wah Mr LUK Tsz-fung

* * * *

Opening Remarks

The Chairman welcomed Members and government department representatives to the first meeting of the Traffic and Transport Committee (“T&TC”) under the Yuen Long District Council (“YLDC”) in 2018. He also welcomed Mr WONG Sai-ho, Officer-in-charge of District Traffic Team (Yuen Long), Hong Kong Police Force, who was attending the T&TC meeting for the first time.

Item 1: Confirmation of the minutes of the sixth meeting of the Traffic and Transport Committee in 2017

2. The above minutes were confirmed by Members unanimously.

Item 2: Local public transport arrangements for West Kowloon Station of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (T&TC Paper No. 8/2018)

3. The Chairman welcomed the following persons to the meeting:

Transport Department Senior Transport Officer/Railway 5 Ms SIN Kai-wai, Marie Transport Officer/Railway 5 Mr KWOK Yue-fung, Samuel

4. Ms Marie SIN briefly introduced the above paper.

5. Members’ views on the issue were summarised as follows:

(1) Some Members held that most passengers of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (“XRL”) found it inconvenient when they were carrying bulky luggage and hence they were inclined to take buses to West Kowloon Station to take the train directly. They also found it difficult to interchange at Tai Lam Tunnel Bus Interchange. Therefore, Members enquired whether the Transport Department (“TD”) would enhance bus services in response to passengers’ demand, such as providing new bus routes, diverting existing routes with increased frequencies to cover West Kowloon Station Bus Terminus, and installing facilities such as luggage racks;

(2) Members hoped to obtain information on whether covered walkways and elevators would be installed to connect West Kowloon Station with Austin Station and West Kowloon Bus Terminus for passengers’ convenience. They also enquired the time taken for the journey from Austin Station to West Kowloon Station and whether there would be any interchange concession between the West Rail and XRL;

(3) Members opined that the public transport arrangement had not catered for the needs of residents in North as the five bus routes to West Kowloon Station or nearby areas would not run via Tin Shui Wai North. Members suggested diverting KMB bus route no. 265B with West Kowloon Station as the terminus; and

(4) Members hoped the TD would provide the estimated number of New Territories West residents taking the XRL at West Kowloon Station. As the routing would make a detour that caused inconvenience to Yuen Long residents, they hoped the TD would proactively consider arranging for direct cross-border bus services to Futian for Yuen Long residents to take the XRL there.

6. Ms Marie SIN gave a consolidated reply as follows:

(1) She said it was expected that more passengers would be travelling between Yuen Long and West Kowloon Station by rail, and actual figures were yet to be available. Two covered footbridges and one pedestrian subway would be provided to connect the West Kowloon Station with Austin Station and it took 5 to 10 minutes’ walk between the two stations. A covered footbridge would also offer a direct link from Austin Station to West Kowloon Station Bus Terminus;

(2) As regards the proposed diversion of bus routes, she said the TD would discuss with the bus companies about setting up boarding and alighting points near West Kowloon Station. She also noted Members’ views on providing bus facilities such as luggage racks and cross-border bus services to Futian; and

(3) When planning to introduce direct franchised bus routes, the TD would take into account the transport network covered by railways and franchised buses and the traffic conditions near West Kowloon Station. Yuen Long residents could take the West Rail to Austin Station and change to XRL. The TD would also set up an alighting point near West Kowloon Station for KMB bus route no. 269B (Tin Shui Wai Town Centre Bus Terminus – Hung Hom Ferry Pier Bus Terminus) so that Yuen Long residents could go to West Kowloon Station with existing bus service networks (including Tai Lam Tunnel Bus Interchange). Therefore, the TD had no plans to introduce new bus routes from Yuen Long to the West Kowloon Station directly. The TD would closely monitor passenger demand after the commissioning of West Kowloon Station and consider adjusting the bus routes and their frequencies.

7. The Chairman hoped the TD representative would reflect Members’ views to the department so as to improve the public transport services from Yuen Long District to West Kowloon Station as far as practicable, including offering interchange concessions, providing feeder bus services and accommodating the needs of residents in Tin Shui Wai North. Moreover, Members could reflect any further views on the paper to the Secretariat, which would relay the collected views to the TD for follow-up.

Item III: Questions raised by Members (1) Mr CHAN Sze-ching requested a review on matters concerning misleading “SLOW” road markings on the cycling track along Tin Yiu Road and other cycling tracks in the district (T&TC Paper No. 1/2018)

8. Members’ views on the issue were summarised as follows:

(1) Members suggested that the TD improve the road markings on the cycling track along Tin Yiu Road and other cycling tracks in the district by changing the road markings from “SLOW” to “END” and consider larger signs indicating “Cyclists dismount”. These were to prevent cyclists from mistaking that there was no need to dismount and push their bicycles. Some Members hoped that the TD would clarify whether cyclists should dismount before yellow plastic bollards;

(2) Members made other proposals to improve the cycling tracks to the TD, including enlarging “Cyclists dismount” signs, providing markings at rural road locations adjoining pavements, reminding cyclists to reduce speed before yellow plastic bollards, and putting up speed ramps;

(3) Members enquired about the works for the cycling track along Highway. An enquiry was made with the Civil Engineering and Development Department (“CEDD”) about the works progress of the cycling track along Kam Pok Road; and

(4) Members pointed out that publicity of cycling safety was inadequate. They urged the TD and relevant departments to step up the work.

9. Mr Wilson MAN gave a consolidated reply as follows:

(1) “SLOW” road markings and directional “Cyclists dismount” signs, the size of which met the standard set by the TD, were provided on the cycling track mentioned by Members. In response to Members’ proposals, the TD planned to seek views on putting “END” as a mandatory road marking at the location. If the feedbacks were positive, the TD would issue a Works Request Form to the works department for altering the road markings and signs along the cycling track. The TD also noted and would consider Members’ views on improving other related traffic signs and road markings on cycling tracks;

(2) Regarding the suggestion on providing traffic signs or road markings at rural road locations adjoining the pavements, he said that while the TD held a positive attitude towards the proposal to enhance road safety, some rural roads were not within the TD’s purview. Nevertheless, Members were welcomed to contact TD’s engineers and the Yuen Long District Office (“YLDO”) on the issue;

(3) He clarified that the cyclists should not pass the yellow plastic bollards and should pay attention to the traffic signs and road markings. Generally speaking, the road surface at the junction of pavement and cycling track was painted yellow as a shared area. Both pedestrians and cyclists should be cautious; and

(4) As for the suggestion of putting up speed ramps, he said that the TD had to consider a host of factors in the design of cycling tracks, including the comfort of cyclists. The TD noted the suggestion but did not support the installation of speed ramps on cycling tracks managed by the TD at this stage.

10. Mr LI Yuk-tsz said that the CEDD was now constructing a cycling track along San Tin Highway from Yuen Long to Sheung Shui. The construction works for the cycling track along Kam Pok Road under the same project item had been hindered by the relocation of underground public utilities earlier, which was now completed. The CEDD and contractors would endeavour to catch up with the works progress. Details of the works would be provided in writing after the meeting.

11. Mr HO Shun-wing said that the Police had issued a total of 79 summons on cycling on pavement at the above location and it would continue to take enforcement actions as appropriate having regard to the circumstances. Besides, the Police Community Relations Offices would step up publicity and education so as to enhance public understanding of the relevant legislation.

12. The Chairman hoped the TD representative would convey Members’ views to the department for further consideration and continue to seek further improvement.

(Post-meeting note: On 8 February 2018, the CEDD submitted supplementary information on the works for the cycling track along San Tin Highway, which was delivered to all Members by the Secretariat on 9 February 2018.)

(2) Mr CHAN Sze-ching and Mr CHAN Tin-yam requested that unauthorised U-turn black spots at two traffic light junctions in Tin Shui Wai South be addressed (T&TC Paper No. 2/2018)

13. Members reflected that while similar agendas had been submitted at previous meetings, the unauthorised U-turn black spots at the two traffic light junctions had not been addressed, posing danger to pedestrians. They hoped the TD and the Police would respond to their views and solve the problem proactively.

14. Mr Wilson MAN said that currently there were traffic signs at the two junctions clearly indicating U-turns were prohibited and u-turning at these junctions was illegal. The TD counted on the Hong Kong Police Force to take enforcement actions and motorists were urged to abide by law.

15. Mr HO Shun-wing said that the Police had made 18 inspections on the subject locations at different hours after the request. During the inspections, no irregularities were found. In response to Members’ views, the Police would step up inspection on these locations.

16. The Chairman hoped Members would note the time of contravention and provide information to the Police for enforcement. If the problem remained serious, he would suggest the TD to consider improving the road design.

(3) Mr WONG Cheuk-kin, Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH, Mr SHUM Ho-kit, Mr WONG Wai-shun, MH, Ms CHIU Sau-han, MH, the Hon LEUNG Che-cheung, SBS, MH, JP, the Hon LUK Chung-hung, Mr LUI Kin, MH, Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen, Mr CHOW Wing-kan, Mr CHAM Ka-hung Daniel, BBS, MH, JP, Mr TANG Sui-man, Mr LEUNG Ming-kin, Mr KWOK Keung, MH, Ms WONG Wai-ling, Ms MA Shuk-yin, Mr SIU Long-ming, Mr CHEUNG Muk-lam, Mr KWOK Hing-ping, Ms YUEN Man-yee, Mr YOUNG Ka-on, Ms CHAN Mei-lin, Mr MAK Ip-sing, Mr YIU Kwok-wai, Ms LAU Kwai-yung and Mr TANG Cheuk-him proposed to discuss monitoring the use of air horns by Light Rail trains and considering their replacement by electric horns to alleviate nuisances (T&TC Paper No. 3/2018)

17. The Chairman welcomed the following persons to the meeting:

Electrical and Mechanical Services Department Senior Engineer/Railway 2 Mr LAM Man-kwong

MTR Corporation Limited Assistant Public Relations Manager-External Affairs Ms LAM Yuen

18. Members’ views on the issue were summarised as follows:

(1) Quite a number of Members reflected that the “air horns” of Light Rail trains were too loud and disturbing, affecting an extensive area. Oftentimes, the noise frightened passers-by and caused nuisance to nearby residents. Therefore, the Light Rail was urged to reduce the noise generated by “air horns” by replacing them with “bells” and explore the use of other devices such as “electric horns” or recorded announcements as substitutes;

(2) Given the legislation provided that no motor vehicles should be fitted with a sound producing device giving an unduly harsh, shrill, loud or alarming noise, the use of “air horns” by Light Rail trains should also be regulated; and

(3) Members questioned whether the MTR Corporation Limited (“MTR”) continued to use “air horns” on grounds of the longer braking distance for Light Rail trains. They stated that the MTR should make an effort in improving the driving attitude of train captains, who should lower the speed before passing the crossing places and reduce the use of “air horns”.

19. Ms LAM Yuen gave a consolidated reply as follows:

(1) She said that in view of Members’ concern, the MTR had enhanced the monitoring of the use of “horns” by captains. She iterated that “horns” were necessary in an emergency. The MTR attached utmost importance to passenger safety and the volume of horns used by Light Rail trains had to be set at an appropriate level. In formulating such level, the MTR had made reference to the use of horns as emergency alert signals and the volume for light rails in other regions;

(2) The MTR had already adjusted the sounds generated by Light Rail utilities in operation where possible, such as broadcast at platforms and Octopus Entry/Exit processors, taking into account the environment and operation hours; and

(3) Considering the environment and passengers’ crossing habits, the MTR would take various measures such as installing bollards to enhance safety so that the use of “air horns” could be reduced at source. The MTR would also continue exploring other technologies and measures.

20. Mr LAM Man-kwong said that the Engineering and Mechanical Services Department (“EMSD”), tasked to monitor railway safety, had no preference on the use of “air horns” or “electric horns” on Light Rail trains. The most important was that the horns could alarm pedestrians in an emergency. If a change was necessary, the MTR should study in detail. Meanwhile, the EMSD did not regulate the volume of the alarms.

21. The Chairman hoped the MTR representative would collect and refer Members’ views to the company. He expected the MTR would duly consider lowering the volume of “air horns” or examine replacing them to solve the noise problem over the years.

(4) Mr YIU Kwok-wai, Ms LAU Kwai-yung, Mr TANG Cheuk-him, the Hon LUK Chung-hung, Mr NG Ka-leung and Mr LUK Tsz-fung raised concern about the fatal traffic accident at Tai Lam Tunnel Bus Interchange and requested an urgent discussion on enhancing its safety (T&TC Paper No. 9/2018) (5) Mr MAK Ip-sing, Ms CHAN Mei-lin, Mr WONG Wai-yin, Zachary, the Hon KWONG Chun-yu, Mr TO Ka-lun and Mr LAM Ting-wai sought to discuss the container truck accident outside Tai Lam Tunnel on 3 January 2018 and made the following requests: (1) to investigate the causes of accident to prevent recurrence; and (2) to provide additional lighting at the waiting areas of Tai Lam Tunnel Bus Interchange (Kowloon and Yuen Long bounds) and install crash barriers at roadside to ensure safety of awaiting passengers (T&TC Paper No. 10/2018)

22. The Chairman welcomed the following person to the meeting:

The Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd. Assistant Manager (Operations) Ms Amanda HUNG

23. The Chairman suggested dealing with the two items together as they were relevant.

24. Members’ views on the issue were summarised as follows:

(1) Many Members reflected that serious traffic accidents frequently occurred at Tai Lam Tunnel and utilisation of Tai Lam Tunnel Bus Interchange had been on the rise. As a result, they requested an expeditious examination on the causes of accident and enhance the safety at the interchange. They suggested installing crash barriers such as dividers, enhancing the lighting system and setting up an audio system so as to ensure the safety of awaiting passengers;

(2) Members urged the TD and the bus companies to adopt more durable parapets or those installed with automatic sensing devices at bus stops along the highways more frequently used by large vehicles of faster speed to enhance protection;

(3) Members pointed out that the closest lanes to the bus waiting areas were for automatic toll collection so the traffic would be faster. They hoped the TD and tunnel company would examine relocating autotoll lanes to farther locations. They also suggested that the Police step up enforcement on speeding.

(4) In order to prevent recurrence of accidents, Members suggested the TD to consider painting thick yellow lines and providing warning lights at the entrances of bus-only lanes to remind sleepy or fatigued drivers to stay alert of the traffic conditions;

(5) Members suggested that the Government enact legislations to regulate driver fatigue management. For example, global positioning system should be used to record work time of drivers who had been driving for a continuous period of time to require drivers to take rest before driving again; and

(6) Since police investigation took time, Members requested the TD to implement some safety measures at the interchange expeditiously and enquired whether any CCTV had been installed for monitoring at the location concerned.

25. Ms Amanda HUNG said that as a user of Tai Lam Tunnel Bus Interchange, KMB was highly concerned about the traffic accident. It noted improvement measures proposed by Members and would liaise and cooperate with relevant departments to provide a safe and comfortable waiting environment for passengers.

26. Mr Chris YEUNG gave a consolidated reply as follows:

(1) The TD was concerned about the traffic accident at Tai Lam Tunnel on 3 January 2018 and appreciated Members’ comments. The accident occurred at the bus interchange at Yuen Long bound-side of Tai Lam Tunnel near the toll plaza. There were parapets on road sections ahead of and after the bus lay-by and centre divider with billboards or railings erected between the bus lay-by and the outer carriageway. The speed limit was 50 km/hr; and

(2) He said that no legislation proposals were put forward to require drivers who had been driving for a certain period to take rest, but he noted Members’ suggestion. The TD would review the arrangements at the bus lay-by with the bus companies and Route 3 (Country Park Section) Company Limited and take appropriate follow-up measures in light of the causes of the accident upon police investigation. In the meantime, the TD was arranging to measure the light level at night with the Highways Department (“HyD”).

27. Mr HO Shun-wing said that the Police arrested the truck driver for “dangerous driving causing death” after the accident. The case was now being taken over by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, New Territories North. Upon initial investigation, it could not be ruled out that overexertion of the driver at work caused the accident. The Police would give an account of the details to Members after the investigation report on its causes was issued. CCTVs were installed at the location but it was necessary to confirm with the investigation team. Apart from that, the Police would liaise with the control area staff at Tai Lam Tunnel to examine installing appropriate facilities for avoiding speeding.

28. The Secretary supplemented that the English reply from Route 3 (Country Park Section) Company Limited was summarised as follows: the design of the interchange had been approved by the Government with a speed limit of 50 km/hr and railings separating the bus stops and the main carriageways. Since the Police was investigating the case, the Company would provide improvement proposals after the causes of the accident were established.

29. The Chairman suggested that the TD and relevant companies examine converting the closest lanes to the bus waiting areas into bus-only lanes and consider Members’ comments seriously so as to speed up rolling out feasible improvement measures.

Item IV: Items referred from the Yuen Long District Council to the T&TC: (1) Mr CHEUNG Muk-lam requested that the traffic problems along Long Hon Road in Yuen Long be addressed (T&TC Paper No. 4/2018)

30. Members’ views on the issue were summarised as follows:

(1) Member said that Long Hon Road with busy traffic was often occupied and parked by vehicles from warehouses or car parks. Hence, they would like to clarify whether the whole Long Hon Road was lying on unleased government land and which department was in charge of its management and maintenance work. Members urged the District Lands Office (“DLO”) to arrange for surveying and provide information on the distribution of government land and private land for police enforcement;

(2) Many Members requested upgrading Long Hon Road to a standard road under the TD’s management. Some Members suggested carrying out site visits with other departments to examine the feasibility; and

(3) Some Members said that some of the rural roads were managed and maintained by the YLDO so they enquired what possible assistance YLDO could provide in respect of the roads.

31. Mr NG Ping-tong gave a consolidated reply as follows:

(1) He said that Long Hon Road was lying on unleased government land and under the control by Road Traffic Ordinance. Departments in charge of enforcing the traffic ordinances were responsible for matters relating to illegal parking and traffic control. If irregularities were found on private land, actions to be taken would depend on whether the land use was in breach of the land lease; and

(2) It was necessary for the DLO to conduct surveys to determine which sessions of Long Hon Road were on government land. It would submit relevant information to the Police or Members in due course.

32. Mr Derek AU gave a consolidated reply as follows:

(1) He said that Long Hon Road was a public road out of the TD’s purview. Street lighting by means of lamps not more than 200 m apart along Long Hon Road implied that the road was under the regulation of the Road Traffic Ordinance and law enforcement agencies could deal with illegal parking under the Ordinance. The Yuen Long South Development would include improving the current traffic arrangements at Long Hon Road so as to accommodate the transport needs arising from the development in Yuen Long South; and

(2) He clarified that many roads connecting rural roads were public roads out of the TD’s purview. Since the roads could fulfil the needs of rural areas, the TD had no plans to put Long Hon Road under its management ambit.

33. Mr HO Shun-wing said that after the DLO determined which sections of Long Hon Road were on government land, the Police would take enforcement actions promptly and keep in contact with Members who raised the issue.

34. Mr SHIH Yung-chi said that the DLO was not responsible for the maintenance of Long Hon Road.

35. Miss Carren MAK said that Long Hon Road was not a rural road which the YLDO would provide emergency road surface repairs. She believed that the relevant department would follow up on the transport issue raised by Members after checking its record. She added that the YLDO would carry out emergency road surface repairs on access roads in rural areas where necessary but they were not administered by the YLDO.

36. The Chairman suggested that the DLO determine which sections of Long Hon Road lay on government land or private land before submitting a written reply to the Committee. Where necessary, the DLO should arrange for another on-site visit to consider upgrading Long Hon Road to a standard road to be managed by the TD and the HyD.

(Post-meeting note: On 9 February, 2018, the DLO submitted additional information on the sections of Long Hon Road lying on government land, which was delivered to all Members by the Secretariat on 12 February 2018.)

Item V: Progress report from the Transport Department (T&TC Paper No. 5/2018)

37. Members enquired with the TD on what measures it would take to alleviate the impacts on the everyday access of local and nearby residents by an increase in visitors along Shan Road during the red leaves sightseeing festive season. They also hoped the TD would consider converting KMB route no. 68R into a regular route at weekends and on public holidays.

38. Ms Carol TAM said that considering the increasing number of visitors to Tai Tong Shan Road for red leaves sightseeing, the TD approved KMB to operate a special route, no. 68R on 31 December 2017 and 1 January 2018 for two days on a pilot basis. The TD would review the operation of the route and the demand of passengers to consider whether to include the service in the Bus Route Planning Programme. Meanwhile, the TD had been observing the public transport on weekdays near Tai Tong Road and the vicinity of Tai Tong and passengers’ demand for MTR feeder bus route no. K66. In response, the MTR had recently provided more resources for operating K66. If necessary, the TD would urge the MTR to make timely service adjustments to provide short-working service for meeting enroute passengers’ needs.

39. The Chairman said that he had suggested the TD to widen the road surface at crossings with traffic lights so as to improve the traffic in the vicinity of Tai Tong. He hoped the TD representative would arrange for an on-site visit with Members from Shap .

Item VI: Progress report from the Highways Department (T&TC Paper No. 6/2018)

40. Members’ views on the issue were summarised as follows:

(1) Members enquired the progress of works not shown on the progress report, such as the works through Kin Tak Street to Ma Tong Road, providing barrier-free facilities at bus stops at Yoho Midtown, installing stone poles at Yau Tin East Road, removing and relocating bridge parapets along Kung Um Road near Park Signature, painting yellow lines at Fung Yau Street East near CCC Kei Yuen College, and improving road markings at Hung Tin Road;

(2) Members requested the TD to set out in the report all improvement works projects in respect of traffic apart from those in the first quarter so that Members could monitor the progress of works;

(3) Members enquired with the HyD on the details of works under Item 10. They were concerned about the noise from the road resurfacing works at midnight. They also reflected that the effect of painting solid white lines to prevent vehicles from Yoho Midtown from cutting into Castle Peak Road was not satisfactory and that the direction sign showing alternative routes to Yuen Long at the exit of Route 3 was too small and unclear. They hoped the department would take some remedial measures;

(4) Some Members opposed the removal and relocation works of existing stone poles at Town Park Road South near Shan Ha Road under Item 22. Despite frequent traffic accidents at the location, the TD removed the stone poles without consultation with stakeholders, local communities and DC members without taking the safety of pedestrians into account. The mishandling of the incident should be reviewed. Some Members requested an on-site visit with TD representatives while some Members suggested alternative solutions of replacing stone poles with parapets and speed ramps which could ensure the safety of both pedestrians and drivers.

(5) As the ground investigation works under Item 9 had been completed, Members expected the TD to provide the design drawings and schedule for the road works connecting Park Signature and Road; and

(6) Members hoped the widening works of carriageways at the junction of Tin Ha Road and Ping Ha Road under Item 8 and the widening works of the refuge at the junction of Tin Yiu Road and Tin Ho Road under Item 5 would be completed expeditiously. They also looked forward to cooperation between departments processing excavation permit application and preparing drawings for traffic control measures.

41. Mr SHIH Yung-chi gave a consolidated reply as follows:

(1) He explained that only works which would commence shortly and of Members’ concern were included in the report because listing all items would make the report too lengthy. He would study Members’ views with the TD again and set out information of items requested by Members in the report at the next meeting;

(2) Regarding the works through Kin Tak Street to Ma Tong Road, providing barrier-free facilities at bus stops at Yoho Midtown, installing stone poles at Yau Tin East Road, painting solid white lines to prevent vehicles from Yoho Midtown from cutting into Castle Peak Road and the noise suspected to be generated by the road resurfacing works, he said that he would reflect Members’ views to the officers concerned and provide information to the T&TC or its Members after the meeting; and

(3) As regards works in Items 5 and 8, an application for excavation permit was made and traffic control measures would be strengthened to meet the requirements of the Police.

42. Mr Derek AU gave a consolidated reply as follows:

(1) Regarding the removal and relocation works of existing stone poles at Town Park Road South near Shan Ha Road under Item 22, he said that there was room for improvement in the TD’s handling of the incident. Members and stakeholders would be invited to visit the site after the meeting to consider ways to improve the works;

(2) In connection with painting of yellow lines at Fung Yau Street East near CCC Kei Yuen College, he said it was noted after consulting the Lands Department (“LandsD”) that the works location was a vehicular run in/out as shown on the land lease. If part of the vehicular run in/out was converted into a pavement, the school would have to apply to the LandsD for altering the vehicular run in/out. He would follow up with Members after the meeting;

(3) He said that the ground investigation works at Shap Pat Heung Road near La Grove under Item 9 had been completed. A consensus was reached on the feasible designs and construction plans of the road connecting Park Signature and the one-way section of Shap Pat Heung Road after discussion with relevant departments. The works department was commissioned to carry out detailed design and preliminary preparatory work. Representatives from residents of nearby estates would be informed of any further updates; and

(4) As regards the removal and relocation of bridge parapets along Kung Um Road for carriageway widening, he said that the Works Request Form had been issued in the preliminary stage but given the underground utilities and pipes beneath the enclosed location, the TD and the HyD had to come up with a feasible solution.

43. Mr Chris YEUNG added that the works under Item 10 was for improving the road markings at Grand YOHO turning left onto Kowloon-bound road. For the sign showing the direction to Yuen Long at the exit of Route 3, he would also liaise with Members on the location and take follow-up actions.

Item VII: Statistics on cycling accidents and related enforcement actions (T&TC Paper No. 7/2018)

44. Members noted the above paper.

Item VIII: Any other business (1) Bus Route Planning Programme 2018-2019 of Yuen Long District

45. In conclusion, the Chairman referred the item to “Working Group on Bus Services” for detailed discussion.

46. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:50 p.m.

Yuen Long District Council Secretariat February 2018