(Translation)

Minutes of the 13th Meeting of Transport Affairs Committee under District Council (5th Term)

Date: 22 February 2018 (Thursday) Time: 9:30 a.m. Venue: Conference Room, Council

Present

Chairman Mr CHENG Wing-shun, Vincent, MH

Members Mr CHAN Kwok-wai Mr CHAN Wai-ming, MH, JP Ms CHAN Wing-yan, Joephy Mr CHEUNG Wing-sum, Ambrose, BBS, MH, JP Ms CHOW Wing-heng, Zoé (Arrived at 10:55 a.m.) Mr CHUM Tak-shing (Left at 12:35 p.m.) Mr HO Kai-ming, Kalvin (Arrived at 9:40 a.m.) Mr KONG Kwai-sang (Arrived at 12:35 p.m.) Mr LAM Ka-fai, Aaron, BBS, JP (Arrived at 10:46 a.m.) Ms LAU Pui-yuk Mr LEE Tsz-king, Dominic Mr LEUNG Man-kwong (Arrived at 9:35 p.m.) Mr LEUNG Yau-fong (Arrived at 9:40 a.m.) Ms NG Yuet-lan Mr TAM Kwok-kiu, MH, JP (Arrived at 9:40 a.m.; left at 12:25 p.m.) Mr WAI Woon-nam Mr WONG Tat-tung, Dennis, MH, JP (Arrived at 9:55 a.m.; left at 11 a.m.) Mr YAN Kai-wing (Arrived at 11 a.m.; left at 11:16 a.m.) Mr YEUNG Yuk (Left at 12:40 p.m.) Mr YUEN Hoi-man (Left at 12:40 p.m.)

Co-opted Members Mr HO Kwan-chau - 2 - Action by

Mr LI Chun-hei, Joshua (Arrived at 9:35 a.m.) In Attendance Ms MAN Ka-wing, Kelly Assistant District Officer (Sham Shui Po) 1 Mr LAU Kin-hei, Louis Senior Transport Officer/Sham Shui Po, Transport Department Mr LEE Chung-yam, Paul Engineer/Planning 1, Transport Department Ms LO Ka-wai, Patsy Engineer/Sham Shui Po, Transport Department Mr CHANG Yiu-wa District Engineer/, Highways Department Mr YEUNG Pak-kin, Kelvin Assistant District Operation Officer, Sham Shui Po District, Police Force Mr AU YEUNG Chung-ching Officer in-charge of District Traffic Team, Sham Shui Po District, Hong Kong Police Force Mr LEE Wai-hung Neighbourhood Police Coordinator/Police Community Relations Office (Sham Shui Po District), Hong Kong Police Force Ms LAI Suet-yan, Janice Senior Transport Officer/Bus/, Transport Department Mr CHEUNG Tin, Larry Transport Officer/Bus/Kowloon, Transport Department

Mr FU Ting-hong, Derek Transport Officer/Bus Development/Hong Kong 1, Transport Department Mr LOK Yu-fat Engineer 10/Transport Planning, Transport Department Mr TAM Chung-on, Alan Senior Engineer/Project 2, Transport Department Mr WONG Kwok-leung Senior Engineer 4/Transport Planning, Transport Department Mr PANG Chun-ho Planning Officer, Citybus Limited/New World First Bus Services Limited Mr WONG Hon-chung Planning and Operational Arrangement Manager, Citybus Limited/New World First Bus Services Limited Ms WONG Sau-kuen Assistant Manager (Planning and Development), The Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited Mr WONG Yue-ting Assistant Manager (Operations), The Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited Mr LEUNG Ling-yin Administrative Assistant to Managing Director, The Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited Ms Lilian YEUNG Public Relations Manager, External Affairs, MTR Corporation Limited Mr KO Tin-lai Assistant Public Relations Manager, External Affairs, MTR Corporation Limited

- 3 - Action by

Mr LEUNG Tsan-man Manager, Building and Architectural Engineering, MTR Corporation Limited

Secretary Mr CHAN Wing-ho, Patrick Executive Officer (District Council) 3, Sham Shui Po District Office

Absent with Apologies

Member Ms NG Mei, Carman

Co-opted Member Mr MAK Wai-ming

Absent

Member Mr LEE Wing-man

Co-opted Member Mr HOU Chun-kaw

- 4 - Action by

Opening Remarks

The Chairman welcomed members and representatives of government departments to the thirteenth meeting of the Transport Affairs Committee (“TAC”) of the fifth term of the Sham Shui Po District Council (“SSPDC”).

Agenda Item 1: Confirmation of the minutes of the 12th meeting held on 7 December 2017

2. The Committee confirmed the above minutes.

Agenda Item 2: Matters for discussion

(a) Bus Route Planning Programme 2018-2019 of Sham Shui Po District (TAC Paper 2/18)

3. Ms Janice LAI introduced Paper 2/18.

4. Mr WAI Woon-nam raised the following views and enquiries: (i) he requested the Transport Department (“TD”) to consider re-routing route 6F to travel via Sham Mong Road during peak hours for the convenience of the residents nearby; (ii) route 702B would travel via Hoi Ying Estate. He enquired about the detailed routing.

5. Mr LEUNG Man-kwong raised the following views and enquiries: (i) he supported the arrangement for route 6F to travel via Sham Mong Road during non-peak hours in the morning and enquired whether the implementation date could be moved forward; (ii) he requested TD to consider re-routing route 6F to travel via Sham Mong Road during peak hours for the convenience of the residents nearby; (iii) he suggested arranging for route 214P to travel between Sham Mong Road and On Tat Estate in both the morning and afternoon; (iv) he requested the Department to consider arranging for minibus routes to connect the new reclamation area and other areas in Sham Shui Po.

6. Mr YEUNG Yuk raised the following views: (i) he welcomed the provision of route 702B and opined that it could supplement route 702 which often had lost trips. However, he hoped that the route could provide service during peak hours in the morning and afternoon; (ii) he suggested providing new bus routes to connect the new reclamation area in Sham Shui Po and other districts, such as Sha Tin, Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing; (iii) he suggested that bus routes should make good use of Tsing Sha Highway.

7. Mr CHUM Tak-shing said that relocation of the bus stop of route 86C would cause inconvenience to the residents in Lai Chi Kok North and the frequency of that route would

- 5 - Action by be lower than before. He hoped that TD and KMB would make improvement.

8. Mr HO Kwan-chau raised the following views and enquiries: (i) relocation of the bus stop of route 86C could provide convenience to the residents of Estate but the frequency of that route would be lower than before; (ii) So Uk bus terminus was saturated. He enquired why locating the terminus of route 86C there; (iii) he enquired whether route 286C could satisfy the needs of the passengers of the original route 86C.

9. Mr CHAN Kwok-wai raised the following views: (i) he welcomed that route 270B would be changed to provide whole day service; (ii) he suggested providing a new bus route which departed from Sham Shui Po and went to Sheung Shui directly without travelling via Fanling during peak hours.

10. Ms Joephy CHAN raised the following views: (i) after the re-routing of route 6F, there would be no buses going to Kowloon City during non-peak hours at the bus stop at Lai Lo House. She hoped that TD and KMB would prudently consider the arrangement concerned; (ii) she suggested making good use of the bus terminus at by arranging more routes to travel past that location.

11. Mr Kalvin HO raised the following views: (i) under the new arrangement, the frequency of route 86C would be lower than before. However, the current utilisation rates of routes 86C and 286C were very high. He requested TD and KMB to prudently consider the arrangement concerned; (ii) the new arrangements for route 86C were not good. He suggested that the bus route should not travel via Cornwall Road in order to shorten the journey.

12. Mr YUEN Hoi-man raised the following views: (i) he supported the arrangements for route 702B to travel via Sham Shing Road instead and for routes 286C and 270B to be changed to provide whole day service; (ii) he suggested that some of the bus routes travelling via Road should be diverted to travel via Sham Mong Road to improve traffic congestion and widen the coverage area of bus routes.

13. Mr TAM Kwok-kiu raised the following views and enquiries: (i) the routing of routes 702 and 702B was partly overlapped. He suggested that the Department should carefully examine the two routes and arrange for route 702B to travel via the bus stop at Tai Hang Tung Road instead; (ii) he enquired about the reason for locating the terminus of route 702B at Pak Tin and the factors to consider when arranging its routing; (iii) So Uk bus terminus was almost saturated. Relocating the terminus of route 86C to the bus stop at Kom Tsun Street could be considered; (iv) he requested TD to arrange for sufficient

- 6 - Action by routes to travel between Sham Shui Po East and Tsuen Wan.

14. Mr Joshua Li raised the following views: (i) he requested that the frequency of route A20 be increased to facilitate residents’ travelling to and from the airport; (ii) he requested that route 72 be extended to Mei Foo; (iii) he suggested extending route 38A to a location other than Mei Foo, for example, new development areas in Sham Shui Po or Lai Chi Kok, so as to optimise the use of the current route resources and increasing its frequency; (iv) he suggested that the terminus of route 6D should be moved to Kwun Tong Pier to facilitate Sham Shui Po residents’ travelling to Kwun Tong; (v) it was not reasonable to use patronage of more than 85% as the criterion to increase frequency. He suggested that the criterion concerned should be revised; (vi) vehicles were travelling in North Lantau Highway at high speed. He suggested requiring that all seats on the buses travelling via the said highway be fitted with safety belts to protect passengers’ safety.

15. The Chairman suggested diverting some of the bus routes travelling via Cheung Sha Wan Road to other roads to improve traffic congestion.

16. Ms Janice LAI responded as follows: (i) route 702B had to travel past two roundabouts before getting to Hoi Ying Estate because the design of that road section did not allow vehicles to go directly to Hoi Ying Estate by travelling southbound in Hing Wah Street West. As the space at Hoi Ying Estate bus terminus was limited and other bus routes had already been arranged to depart from that terminus under the Bus Route Planning Programme of last year, it was suggested that the terminus of route 702B should be located at Pak Tin; (ii) TD noted members’ views of extending the service hours of route 702B, which would be considered again depending on the operations and passengers’ demands; (iii) she was concerned about the issue of route 702B having lost trips as mentioned by members and would request NWFB to follow up properly; (iv) the Department would study the suggestion of arranging for buses to travel between the bus stop at Lai Lo House and Kowloon City during non-peak hours; (v) the Department would consider arranging for route 6F to travel via Sham Mong Road throughout the day depending on the operations; (vi) the Department noted members’ views on routes 38A, A20, 72, 6D, etc. and would discuss with the bus companies; (vii) the patronage of route 86C during the busiest 1 hour was about 70% while that of route 286C was over 90%. Therefore, it was suggested that resources should be diverted from route 86C to route 286C to optimise the use of bus resources and that the connecting bus services at the bus interchange in Tsing Sha Highway should be enhanced; (viii) currently, all “exposed seats” of buses needed to be fitted with seat belts. The Department would study how to improve the safety facilities of buses with the bus companies; (ix) in response to the views on diversion of the bus routes travelling via Cheung Sha Wan Road, routes 66X, 270B and

- 7 - Action by

272E had been re-routed to travel via Lai Chi Kok Road under this programme; (x) TD would review the saturation levels of the bus stops in Sham Shui Po District (“SSP District”), with a view to optimising the use of space at bus stops.

17. Ms WONG Sau-kuen responded as follows: (i) when arranging for buses to travel between the bus stop at Lai Lo House and Kowloon City, KMB would also consider the arrangements of other bus routes which travelled to Kowloon City via Cheung Sha Wan Road to avoid overlapping of routing; (ii) KMB would try to reduce the inconvenience caused by the new route to the passengers of the original route 86C; (iii) as the patronage of route 270B would increase greatly during the evening commuting hours, KMB would arrange for some buses to depart from en-route stops instead to provide convenience to the passengers waiting at these stops.

18. Mr WONG Yue-ting responded as follows: (i) KMB welcomed the suggestion of extending route 38A to Mei Foo and would study how to implement the arrangement concerned with TD; (ii) KMB would study passengers’ demands for the buses travelling between Sham Shui Po and various areas of the New Territories and arrange for the buses to travel to and from these areas via Sham Mong Road and Tsing Sha Highway; (iii) KMB and TD had reached a consensus on the widening works of So Uk bus terminus and the government departments concerned would carry out the works; (iv) as the bus terminus at Dragon Centre allowed one-way access only, KMB needed to consider prudently the suggestion of arranging for bus routes to travel via the bus terminus; (v) KMB had worked out a plan to relocate the bus terminus of route 72 to Mei Foo and would implement it as soon as possible; (vi) KMB welcomed the suggestion of extending route 6D to Kwun Tong and would discuss the feasibility with TD.

19. Mr WONG Hon-chung responded that NWFB would not take buses away from route 702 and allocate them to route 702B. Instead, it would arrange additional buses so as to ensure that there would be adequate buses for both routes.

20. Ms NG Yuet-lan raised the following views: (i) she hoped that the frequency of route A20 would be increased to every 30 minutes; (ii) she hoped TD would require that buses be fitted with safety belts.

21. Mr LEUNG Yau-fong raised the following views and enquiries: (i) he enquired whether TD had worked out a specific plan for the extension of route 6D to Kwun Tong; (ii) he welcomed KMB’s announcement some time ago that the salary of bus captains would be raised and hoped that KMB would enhance the training and emotional support to bus captains.

- 8 - Action by

22. Mr LEUNG Man-kwong suggested that route 214P departing from Sham Shui Po should be extended to Tsui Ping in the morning.

23. Mr CHAN Kwok-wai suggested splitting route 270B, i.e. one route going to Fanling directly from Sham Shui Po while the other going to Sheung Shui directly from Sham Shui Po, to shorten the journey.

24. Ms Joephy CHAN said that although the travelling time might be lengthened if buses had to stop at the terminus at Dragon Centre, TD and KMB should still consider passengers’ demands and arrange for routes to travel via that terminus.

25. Mr Kalvin HO said that there were a lot of passengers who took route 86C and 286C so buses of route 86C should not be diverted to route 286C.

26. Mr YEUNG Yuk said that most of the bus routes between Sham Shui Po and the New Territories East would travel via Cheung Sha Wan Road. He suggested that some of the routes should be diverted to travel via Sham Mong Road.

27. Mr CHUM Tak-shing said that cancellation of the two stops of route 86C in Lai Chi Kok North would cause inconvenience to the residents. He requested TD and KMB to try to reduce the problem.

28. Mr Joshua LI raised the following views: (i) he hoped that the frequency of route 20A would be increased; (ii) he requested TD and KMB to work out a plan for the extension of route 6D as soon as possible; (iii) he requested that all the buses travelling via North Lantau Highway be fitted with seat belts; (iv) he urged TD to review the current approach of deciding the addition/cancellation of bus routes according to patronage; (v) he suggested making good use of Tsing Sha Highway when planning for bus routes to facilitate Mei Foo residents’ travelling to and from the New Territories East.

29. Mr TAM Kwok-kiu raised the following views: (i) he suggested that route 86C should be re-routed to travel via Kwong Lee Road and the terminus should be moved to Kom Tsun Street to reduce the inconvenience to the original passengers; (ii) Pak Tin Estate was being redeveloped so locating the terminus of route 702B there might pose danger to passengers; (iii) he enquired about the views of TD on the extension of route 6D to Kwun Tong; (iv) he had enquired about the arrangement of the bus routes between Sham Shui Po and Tsuen Wan before. He requested the Department to give response.

- 9 - Action by

30. Mr YAN Kai-wing raised the following views: (i) it was expected that route 702B would commence operation in the third quarter of 2018. At that time, the new bus terminus at Pak Tin Estate would be completed so the arrangement concerned should not pose danger to passengers; (ii) he welcomed the location of the terminus of route 702B at Pak Tin.

31. Ms Janice LAI responded as follows: (i) TD would consider the extension of route 6D to Kwun Tong in light of factors such as the views of the bus company, capacity of the terminus and the impact on the frequency; (ii) the Department took bus safety seriously and was carrying out a full review on various matters including the safety facilities of buses and working hours of bus captains; (iii) the Department would study the arrangement for route 214P to travel between Sham Mong Road and On Tat Estate in both the morning and afternoon with KMB; (iv) concerning the views on the route arrangement of route 270B and location of the bus terminus of route 86C as well as the suggested diversion of the bus routes travelling via Cheung Sha Wan Road, the Department would consult the district councils concerned and then consider the arrangements concerned holistically; (v) the Department was concerned about the travelling time of buses and whether they reached stops on time, and would maintain close contact with bus companies.

32. Mr WONG Hon-chung responded as follows: (i) the stop of route 702A at Pak Tin bus terminus would also be used by route 702B so no extra space was needed; (ii) the patronage of route A20 was lower than other bus routes with similar frequency. Citybus would pay close attention to the demand for the route and the frequency would be increased if necessary.

33. Mr LEUNG Yau-fong said that TD had not responded to members’ views on route 6D and the support to bus captains.

34. Mr YUEN Hoi-man enquired about the schedule of TD for diverting some bus routes from travelling via Cheung Sha Wan Road to travelling via Sham Mong Road.

35. Ms Janice LAI responded as follows: (i) concerning the member’s suggestion on route 6D, TD would consider the capacity of Kwun Tong bus terminus as well as the impact of the suggestion on the travelling time and the frequency before discussing it with KMB; (ii) the Department took bus safety seriously and was carrying out an overall review with bus companies and unions of bus captains on various matters, including safety facilities of buses and working hours of bus captains. The findings would be announced in due course; (iii) the Department expected that the consultation with DC on this Bus Route Planning Programme would be completed in or before June. DC would then be

- 10 - Action by provided with the revised Bus Route Planning Programme.

36. The Chairman concluded that TD was requested to review the arrangements of Bus Route Planning Programme 2018-2019 of SSP District in light of members’ views.

(b) Proposal for opening up existing bicycle prohibition zones in Sham Shui Po District (TAC Paper 3/18)

37. Mr WONG Kwok-leung introduced Paper 3/18.

38. Mr CHAN Wai-ming enquired about the factors TD considered when opening up bicycle prohibition zones.

39. Mr Dominic LEE enquired why TD planned to open up bicycle prohibition zones.

40. Mr LEUNG Man-kwong raised the following views: (i) TD suggested opening up the section of Nam Cheong Street leading to Lung Ping Road but did not plan to open up the section of Lung Ping Road leading to Nam Cheong Street. This might cause inconvenience to cyclists; (ii) recently, the number of shared bicycles in SSP District had increased substantially. He enquired if the Department had taken this factor into account when considering opening up bicycle prohibition zones.

41. Mr CHUM Tak-shing raised the following views: (i) he agreed that there might be inconvenience to cyclists if the section of Lung Ping Road leading to Nam Cheong Street was not opened up; (ii) it would be relatively dangerous for cyclists to ride on the section of Nam Cheong Street leading to Lung Ping Road; (iii) he was worried that the problem of illegal parking of bicycles would arise in Chak On Estate after the bicycle prohibition zone was opened up.

42. Mr LEUNG Yau-fong raised the following enquiries: (i) he enquired why TD planned to open up bicycle prohibition zones; (ii) he enquired why the Department did not propose opening up the other 11 bicycle prohibition zones listed in the Paper; (iii) he enquired about the number of cyclists who entered prohibition zones illegally.

43. The Chairman said that the section of Nam Cheong Street leading to Lung Ping Road was very short. It would not be of much use even if it was opened up to cyclists. He suggested that TD should review the bicycle-friendly policy in Hong Kong.

44. Mr WONG Kwok-leung responded as follows: (i) TD was reviewing the

- 11 - Action by improvement measures for cycling tracks throughout Hong Kong (especially those in the New Territories), including opening up some bicycle prohibition zones; (ii) in response to cycling organisations’ requests, the Department had studied the conditions of 105 bicycle prohibition zones throughout Hong Kong and found that opening up some prohibition zones could be considered; (iii) the Department mainly consider the traffic flow and speed in the road concerned when deciding whether it was suitable to open up a bicycle prohibition zone; (iv) there had been no traffic accidents involving bicycles in the section of Nam Cheong Street leading to Lung Ping Road in the past three years. It was believed that opening up the bicycle prohibition zone in that section would not cause any safety problems; (v) bicycle-sharing operators had promised to retrieve the bicycles in urban areas.

45. Mr LEUNG Man-kwong raised the following views: (i) bicycle-sharing had caused the number of cyclists to increase and TD should consider this factor when opening up bicycle prohibition zones; (ii) TD could consider opening up bicycle prohibition zones during non-peak hours on holidays only to protect road safety.

46. Mr CHAN Wai-ming suggested opening up bicycle prohibition zones during non-peak hours only to protect road safety.

47. Mr Aaron LAM said that the impact of opening up the bicycle prohibition zone in Nam Cheong Street was insignificant and he kept an open mind to this.

48. Mr WONG Kwok-leung responded as follows: (i) under the current law, the sign of bicycle prohibition zone should not be displayed together with those of no-stopping zones with time limits. To impose time restriction on bicycle prohibition zones, the law would need to be amended first; (ii) the section of Nam Cheong Street leading to Lung Ping Road was wide enough and the traffic flow and speed were not high. Therefore, it was suggested that the section be opened up to bicycles; (iii) TD would monitor the road condition after opening up the bicycle prohibition zone. It would also review the effectiveness of the measure before considering opening up more prohibition zones.

49. The Chairman concluded as follows: (i) the Committee was concerned about the safety issue of opening up bicycle prohibition zones and had reservations about opening up the prohibition zone in the section of Nam Cheong Street leading to Lung Ping Road; (ii) TD was requested to review the bicycle-friendly policy.

50. Mr WONG Kwok-leung responded that TD intended to consult local people on opening up the bicycle prohibition zone in the section of Nam Cheong Street leading to

- 12 - Action by

Lung Ping Road and would report to the Committee on the findings.

(c) Site trial of the smart device for the extension of pedestrian flashing green time for the elderly and disabled (TAC Paper 4/18)

51. Mr Alan TAM introduced Paper 4/18.

52. Ms Zoé CHOW raised the following views: (i) she was worried that provision of the device concerned would affect the pedestrian phases at the pedestrian crossings nearby; (ii) the pedestrian phases at some pedestrian crossings in the district were too short and she suggested extending them; (iii) she suggested providing countdown timers at pedestrian crossings.

53. Mr CHUM Tak-shing raised the following views: (i) he suggested that TD should consult the pedestrians who crossed the road when conducting the site trial; (ii) the elderly needed time to take out Octopus cards so the device concerned might not help the elderly cross the road.

54. Mr Joshua LI raised the following views: (i) he suggested providing countdown timers at pedestrian crossings for road users’ convenience; (ii) the smart devices should be provided at a position of an appropriate height for the convenience of wheelchair users and people of different heights; (iii) he suggested providing buttons on traffic lamp posts so people with needs could press buttons to extend pedestrian phases.

55. Mr WAI Woon-nam raised the following views: (i) Woh Chai Street/Wai Chi Street was the major road connecting Sham Shui Po and Kowloon East. Extension of the pedestrian phase at that location might cause obstruction to traffic; (ii) the elderly needed some time to take out Octopus cards so the device concerned might not help the elderly cross the road.

56. Ms NG Yuet-lan raised the following views: (i) she suggested providing buttons on traffic lamp posts so people with needs could press the buttons to extend pedestrian phases; (ii) the pedestrian phase at Lai King Hill Road was 19 seconds only so there was not sufficient time for the residents to cross the road.

57. Mr TAM Kwok-kiu suggested providing buttons on traffic lamp posts so people with needs could press the buttons to extend pedestrian phases.

58. Mr LEUNG Yau-fong raised the following views: (i) he suggested providing

- 13 - Action by countdown timers at pedestrian crossings for road users’ convenience; (ii) there was no correlation between the age and the time needed to cross roads. The use of Elder Octopus cards to operate the smart devices would mean that people who were not elderly could not extend pedestrian phases. This was not reasonable.

59. Mr Alan TAM responded as follows: (i) TD had considered the height of wheelchair users when designing the positions of smart devices; (ii) the smart devices could control the length of pedestrian phases of the traffic lights concerned; (iii) the smart devices were designed to be operated by Elder Octopus cards because they were intended to help the elderly cross roads; (iv) the Department had commissioned a university to conduct a survey into the use of the smart devices and would review the plan in light of the findings of the survey; (v) direct extension of the pedestrian flashing green time at pedestrian crossings could not address the needs of the elderly and was not in line with the principle of optimum use of resources. The Department needed to strike a balance between the needs of pedestrians and drivers.

60. Ms NG Yuet-lan said that besides the elderly, more time was also required by the disabled, women and children to cross roads. Therefore, it was not reasonable that the smart devices could be operated with Elder Octopus cards only.

61. Mr LEUNG Yau-fong said that traffic in Woh Chai Street/Wai Chi Street was not busy. He opined that TD’s provision of the smart device at that location was not necessary. Direct extension of the pedestrian phase would do.

62. Mr WAI Woon-nam said that Pak Wan Street was not a major trunk road. It was more suitable than Woh Chai Street/Wai Chi Street for the trial of the smart devices.

63. Mr Joshua LI suggested providing countdown timers for pedestrians and vehicles, which could bring convenience to different road users.

64. Mr Ambrose CHEUNG raised the following views: (i) he supported TD’s trial of the smart devices; (ii) he suggested that TD should conduct the trial of the smart devices during busy hours to obtain more objective data.

65. Mr Alan TAM responded that TD would conduct the trial at 9 locations throughout Hong Kong. The Department had considered road sections with different traffic flow when choosing the locations.

66. The Chairman concluded that the Committee did not object to TD’s trial of the

- 14 - Action by smart devices for the extension of pedestrian flashing green time. However, the Department should refer to members’ views, improve the arrangement for crossing the road and report to the Committee on the findings after completion of the trial.

(d) Passenger lifts of MTR (TAC Paper 5/18)

67. Mr LEUNG Tsan-man introduced Paper 5/18

68. Ms NG Yuet-lan enquired about the schedule of the works, difficulties expected in construction and the impact on traffic.

69. Mr LEUNG Yau-fong said that the design of Exit A of MTR Mei Foo Station caused inconvenience to the elderly accessing the station so he welcomed MTRC’s provision of a passenger lift at Mei Foo Station.

70. Mr Joshua LI raised the following views and enquiries: (i) he welcomed MTRC’s provision of a passenger lift at Mei Foo Station; (ii) he enquired about the capacity of the proposed passenger lift; (iii) the passenger lift at Exit F of MTR Mei Foo Station was often out of order on rainy days. He requested MTRC to pay attention to the waterproof design of the proposed passenger lift; (iv) he enquired about the schedule of the works, and hoped that MTRC could complete the works as soon as possible; (v) he enquired about details of the traffic diversion involved in the works.

71. Mr CHAN Wai-ming raised the following views: (i) he welcomed MTRC’s provision of a passenger lift at Mei Foo Station; (ii) he hoped that MTRC would complete the works as soon as possible to facilitate the elderly’s access to Mei Foo Station; (iii) he hoped that MTRC would provide proper management of the works to reduce inconvenience to passengers; (iv) the population in SSP District was aging. He urged that, apart from Mei Foo Station, MTRC should provide at least two lifts at other stations in the district.

72. Mr WAI Woon-nam said that he hoped that MTRC would provide a lift at the exit of to the south of Cheung Sha Wan Road.

73. Ms LAU Pui-yuk raised the following views: (i) she welcomed MTRC’s provision of a passenger lift at the Mei Foo Station; (ii) she hoped that MTRC would provide proper planning and complete the works as soon as possible; (iii) she hoped that MTRC would study the provision of a lift at Exit A or C of Sham Shui Po Station.

- 15 - Action by

74. Mr Ambrose CHEUNG raised the following views and enquiries: (i) he welcomed MTRC’s provision of a passenger lift at Mei Foo Station and thanked the company for that; (ii) he enquired about the location of the proposed lift at Mei Foo Station; (iii) he enquired about the capacity and model of the lift and whether it was air-conditioned; (iv) he suggested that a location be provided in where the residents who used the lift could enter the housing estate directly; (v) he hoped that the bus stop relocation and traffic diversion required by the works were arranged properly to reduce nuisance to the residents.

75. Mr LEUNG Tsan-man responded as follows: (i) the size of the proposed lift was 1.5 metres x 2.5 metres with a capacity of 24 persons and a load-bearing capacity of 1 800 kilograms. It was water-proof and air-conditioned; (ii) the entrance and exit of the proposed lift would be located at places where there were no staircases to ensure that wheelchair users could also use the lift; (iii) the temporary traffic diversion measures required by the works would not change the width of the current two traffic lanes. MTRC would maintain close contact with TD in this regard; (iv) MTRC would carry out the planning and submit an application to the Government for the works. It was expected that an invitation to tender would be made in the first half of 2019 and the works would commence in the second half, which would take about three years to complete.

76. Ms Lilian YEUNG responded as follows: (i) the MTR station in SSP District was built many years ago. When it was designed, there were no lifts which connected the ground level and the station concourse. However, MTRC would make every endeavour to provide at least one lift to connect the ground level and the station concourse; (ii) MTRC would refer to members’ views when conducting an overall review of the facilities of stations.

77. Mr Joshua LI suggested that the Highways Department (“HyD”) should resurface Kwai Chung Road Flyover as soon as possible to avoid obstructing MTRC’s works.

78. Mr LEUNG Tsan-man responded that MTRC would co-ordinate with HyD for the works.

79. Mr CHANG Yiu-wa responded that HyD would review the general maintenance arrangements of the road section to avoid any clash with the works of MTRC.

80. Mr Ambrose CHEUNG requested the government departments concerned to provide assistance so that there would be a location in Mei Foo Sun Chuen where the residents who used the lift could enter the housing estate directly.

- 16 - Action by

81. The Chairman concluded that the Committee welcomed MTRC’s provision of a passenger lift at Mei Foo Station and hoped that MTRC would provide proper management and complete the works as soon as possible.

(e) Request for launching feasibility study on underground car park (TAC Paper 6/18)

82. Mr KONG Kwai-sang introduced Paper 6/18.

83. Mr Paul LEE responded as follows: (i) TD supported the construction of underground car parks to increase parking spaces; (ii) the Civil Engineering and Development Department (“CEDD”) had carried out a feasibility study on underground space development in urban areas for 4 locations in Hong Kong. Such study included examining the feasibility of constructing underground car parks.

84. Mr KONG Kwai-sang raised the following enquiries: (i) he enquired about the progress on the feasibility study on the underground space development in urban areas; (ii) he enquired whether there was any space for the construction of underground car parks in SSP District.

85. Mr LEUNG Yau-fong requested TD to provide locations where underground car parks could be constructed in SSP District.

86. Mr Paul LEE responded as follows: (i) CEDD had launched a webpage for the feasibility study on the underground space development in urban areas and members were welcome to surf it; (ii) all four locations in this study were not in SSP District.

87. Mr KONG Kwai-sang suggested requesting CEDD to provide more information on the study in the name of the Committee.

88. Mr LEUNG Yau-fong requested TD to ask CEDD whether the study would include SSP District.

89. Mr Paul LEE responded that TD would pass members’ views to CEDD.

90. The Chairman concluded as follows: (i) there were inadequate parking spaces in SSP District. TD was requested to pass members’ views to CEDD. It was hoped that the feasibility study on the underground space development in urban areas would include SSP District; (ii) it was suggested that this issue be included in the list of follow up actions for

- 17 - Action by matters of discussion.

Agenda Item 3: Follow up matters

(a) List of follow up actions for matters of discussion at TAC meeting (TAC Paper 7/18)

91. Mr Joshua LI opined that if a lift was built at the footbridge (Structure No: KF115) across Ching Cheung Road connecting Ching Lai Shopping Centre and Mei Foo Station, it was expected that its utilisation rate would not be very high. On the contrary, the pedestrian flow from Ching Lai Commercial Centre to Lai King Hill Road and that from Lai Chi Kok Bay Garden/Nob Hill to Lai King Hill Road were higher. Therefore, he suggested considering provision of lifts at the two locations.

92. Ms NG Yuet-lan suggested that the Government should make good use of resources and provide a lift at the section of road connecting Ching Lai Commercial Centre and Lai King Hill Road, where the pedestrian flow was higher.

93. Mr KONG Kwai-sang said that the improvement works at So Uk bus terminus had not commenced. He enquired about the schedule of the works.

94. Mr Chang Yiu-wa responded as follows: (i) he would reflect members’ views on the Universal Accessibility Programme to the division concerned of HyD; (ii) as there were a lot of works to be carried out in SSP District and HyD was trying to relocate the trees at bus terminus, it was expected that the improvement works at the terminus would not commence until the end of 2018.

95. Ms Patsy LO responded that the Department needed to re-designate the on-street parking spaces and no-stopping areas in Po On Road and Cheung Fat Street for the improvement works at So Uk Estate bus terminus. The Department had completed the preliminary design work and would consult the Members concerned later.

(b) Project items and schedules of district traffic improvement works completed, under construction or under planning within the past two months by Transport Department / Highways Department (TAC Paper 8/18)

96. Mr LEUNG Man-kwong raised the following enquiries: (i) he enquired about the progress on the works for the light control button at the pedestrian crossing in Tung Chau Street; (ii) he enquired when the improvement works for the pedestrian crossing facilities in Sai Chuen Road would commence; (iii) he enquired when the works for the motorcycle

- 18 - Action by parking spaces outside West Kowloon Law Courts would commence.

97. Mr Paul LEE responded as follows: (i) TD had revised the plan of the improvement works for the pedestrian crossing facilities in Sai Chuen Road, and would examine the findings of the district consultation by the Sham Shui Po District Office before carrying out the works; (ii) West Kowloon Law Courts had reservations about the provision of motorcycle parking spaces nearby. TD would follow up the views of West Kowloon Law Courts.

98. Mr CHANG Yiu-wa responded that the works for the light control button at the pedestrian crossing in Tung Chau Street had been completed. HyD was contacting the department concerned to activate the device.

99. Mr LEUNG Man-kwong said that there were inadequate motorcycle parking spaces in Wing Cheong Estate and Fu Cheong Estate, causing the problem of illegal parking. He enquired why West Kowloon Law Courts objected to the provision of motorcycle parking spaces nearby.

100. Mr Paul LEE responded that TD would follow up this issue with West Kowloon Law Courts.

Agenda Item 4: Report from Working Groups under the Committee

(a) Report from the Working Group on Public Transport Services (TAC Paper 9/18)

101. The Committee noted and endorsed the above report.

(b) Report from the Non-standing Working Group on Barrier Free Transport-related Facilities (TAC Paper 10/18)

102. The Committee noted and endorsed the above report.

Agenda Item 5: Any other business

103. Mr Joshua LI said that many residents of Mei Foo Sun Chuen complained that there were often cars speeding in Kwai Chung Road Flyover during the Chinese New Year. He suggested providing speed enforcement cameras in that road section.

104. Mr LEUNG Yau-fong raised the following view: (i) a lot of large vehicles were

- 19 - Action by parked illegally in the district during the Chinese New Year causing obstruction to traffic. He requested the Police to take follow-up action; (ii) he requested the Police to try to keep Shun Ning Road clear; (iii) there were often vehicles loading and unloading goods illegally near Phase 5 of Un Chau Estate. He requested TD and the Police to take follow-up action.

105. Ms NG Yuet-lan said that there were often cars speeding in Kwai Chung Road Flyover at night during the Chinese New Year. She requested the Police to step up enforcement efforts during holidays.

106. Mr KONG Kwai-sang said that cars were often parked illegally in the section of near Lei Cheng Uk Estate. He requested the Police to step up enforcement efforts.

107. The Chairman concluded that the government departments concerned were requested to follow up members’ views.

Agenda Item 6: Date of next meeting

108. The Chairman said that SSPDC would carry out the duty visit between 17 and 20 April 2018 so the fourteenth meeting, to be held on 19 April 2018 originally, needed to be rescheduled. He suggested requesting members to choose whether to hold the fourteenth meeting on 27 April or 2 May by circulation of papers.

109. The meeting ended at 1:30 p.m.

District Council Secretariat Sham Shui Po District Office April 2018