Minutes of the 5th Meeting in 2018 of the Traffic and Transport Committee of District Council

Date: 14 September 2018 (Friday) Time: 2:36 p.m. – 8:12 p.m. Venue: Conference Room, 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 Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. CHAN Cho-leung, MH Beginning of the meeting 5:05 p.m. Mr. CHAN Siu-kuen, MH, JP Beginning of the meeting 5:38 p.m. Mr. CHOW Yuen-wai Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. KWAN Wing-yip Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. LAU Yung-wai Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. LI Kwok-ying, BBS, MH, JP Beginning of the meeting 5:00 p.m. Mr. LI Wah-kwong, Rex Beginning of the meeting 5:37 p.m. Mr. LI Yiu-ban, BBS, MH, JP Beginning of the meeting 5:44 p.m. Mr. LO Hiu-fung Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. TAM Wing-fun, Eric, MH Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. TANG Ming-tai, Patrick Beginning of the meeting 7:41 p.m. Ms. WONG Pik-kiu, BBS, MH, JP Beginning of the meeting 5:00 p.m. Mr. YAM Kai-bong, Francis Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. YAM Man-chuen Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. YU Chi-wing, Ken Beginning of the meeting 7:42 p.m.

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 Beginning of the meeting 5:19 p.m. Mr. CHEUNG Kwok-wai Beginning of the meeting 7:42 p.m. - 2 -

Mr. LAU Chung-hon 7:48 p.m. End of the meeting 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. TSANG Hon-man Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. WAN Hing-choy Beginning of the meeting 4:53 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 Ms. MAK Pui-yan Engineer / 19 (North) / North Development Office / Civil Engineering and Development Department (“CEDD”) Ms. MA Flora Senior Transport Officer / Tai Po / Transport Department (“TD”) Ms. PUN Fun-yu, Winnie Engineer / Tai Po 1 / TD Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung Engineer / Tai Po 2 / TD Mr. YIU Chiu-chung Senior Engineer 2 / Universal Accessibility / Highways Department (“HyD”) Mr. HUI Chi-hung Engineer 6 / Universal Accessibility / HyD Mr. SIU Wai-kwan District Engineer / Works (Islands) / HyD Mr. CHAN Fook-chiu, Adrian General Manager / Planning, Development and Port Security / Marine Department (“MD”) Mr. SUN You-jin Senior Marine Officer (Acting) / Planning and Development (1) / MD Ms. CHAN Ka-man, Carmen Senior Marine Officer (Acting) / Harbour Patrol Section (1) / MD Mr. WONG Siu-hin, Anson Marine Officer / Harbour Patrol Section (4) / MD Mr. LEE Chi-wai Senior Assistant Shipping Master / Harbour Patrol Section (4) / MD Mr. TAM Wai-man Senior Assistant Shipping Master / South / MD Ms. WONG Nga-yin, Amy Senior Statistician / MD Mr. YEUNG Chiu-tim, Louis Assistant Housing Manager / Tai Po District Tenancy Management Office / Housing Department (“HD”) Mr. TSUI Yik-fuk Head, Traffic Wing (Tai Po Police District) / Police Force (“HKPF”) Mr. WONG Tsz-kin Assistant Manager / Operations / Shatin Depot / Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited (“KMB”) Mr. LEE Shut-hang, Imgmar Senior Officer / Planning and Development / KMB - 3 -

Mr. WONG Hon-chung, Simon Planning and Scheduling Manager / Citybus Limited (“Citybus”) Mr. CHEUNG Kin-keung Deputy Managing Director / Mannings (Asia) Consultants Limited (“Mannings”) Mr. CHAN Ho-kong Deputy Director / Mannings Mr. YIP Ho-yeung Sports Executive / Tai Po Sports Association (“TPSA”) Mr. CHAN Kun-ying, Ricky Event and Race Director / Sportsoho Mr. WAN Tung-sing Programme Manager / Sportsoho 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

Opening Remarks

The Chairman welcomed Members and departmental representatives to the Traffic and Transport Committee (“TTC”) meeting. He announced that Mr. HUI Ka-kit of the HyD was unable to attend this meeting due to other commitments and Mr. SIU Wai-kwan attended the meeting on his behalf.

I. Confirmation of the minutes of the 4th meeting in 2018 of the TTC on 13 July 2018 (TPDC Paper No. TT 57/2018)

2. The Chairman said that as the Secretariat did not receive any proposed amendments, and there were no amendments proposed by Members at the meeting, the above minutes were confirmed with no amendments necessary.

II. Follow-up on the proposals to improve road traffic safety on

3. Mr. SIU Wai-kwan reported on the improvement works on Tai Po Road over the past two months as follows:

(i) The reconstruction works at the Tai Po-bound Tai Po Mei Bus Stop were completed in July 2018.

(ii) The improvement works at the Sha Tin-bound Tai Po Mei Bus Stop were completed in August 2018. - 4 -

(iii) The improvement works at the junction of Hung Lam Drive and Tai Po Road were in progress and were expected to be completed in September 2018.

4. Mr. CHAN Siu-kuen noticed that the works at Tai Po Mei Bus Stop were basically completed. However, as the soil behind the bus stop concerned had been washed to the road surface by the heavy rain recently, he hoped that the relevant department could lay turfs there to reduce the likelihood of soil erosion. In addition, he noted that there were works in progress at the junction of Hung Lam Drive and Tai Po Road and thanked the TD and the HyD for carrying out road improvement works. Besides, he had made an appointment with the Architectural Services Department to visit Tai Po Mei Bus Stop to examine the trees nearby.

5. Mr. YU Chi-wing, Ken indicated that in the past, there was flooding on Shan Tong Road and at other locations during typhoons. As Super Typhoon Mangkhut was approaching Hong Kong, he hoped that the departments concerned could pay extra attention.

6. Mr. SIU Wai-kwan responded as follows:

(i) The HyD noted that the soil behind Tai Po Mei Bus Stop had been washed onto the road surface. It promptly deployed contractors to clear the sand and stones on the road surface after the said situation was discovered earlier. At the same time, the department had considered laying turfs there. However, turfs could not grow due to unstable weather at present. It would therefore reconsider laying turfs there when the weather improved.

(ii) The HyD would pay extra attention to the matters raised by Mr. Ken YU.

III. Proposed laying of new private moorings in Tai Po District (TPDC Paper No. TT 58/2018)

7. The Chairman welcomed Mr. CHAN Fook-chiu, Adrian, General Manager (Planning, Development and Port Security), Mr. SUN You-jin and Ms. CHAN Ka-man, Carmen, two acting Senior Marine Officers, Mr. WONG Siu-hin, Anson, Marine Officer, Mr. LEE Chi-wai and Mr. TAM Wai-man, two Senior Assistant Shipping Masters, as well as Ms. WONG Nga-yin, Amy, Senior Statistician of the MD to the meeting for the discussion of agenda items III and IV.

8. Mr. Adrian CHAN introduced the paper.

9. Mr. CHAN Cho-leung’s comments and questions were as follows:

(i) He supported the expansion of private mooring areas in and Shuen Wan - 5 -

Hoi.

(ii) When introducing the paper, the MD mentioned that it had consulted the relevant fisherman representatives and rural committees as regards the expansion of the two said private mooring areas. However, he was worried that some fishermen had no knowledge about it. As such, he enquired whether the MD had consulted the Fishermen’s Co-operative Societies (“FCS”) about the matter.

(iii) Many vessel owners parked their vessels at the private mooring area wherever they liked. He opined that it would affect the area and the safety of fishermen, especially in rough waters during typhoon when private vessels left unattended would easily collide with one another due to anchor dragging and sustaining damages. He asked the MD to pay extra attention to the situation.

(iv) As the MD planned to expand the private mooring areas, he asked the department to notify the vessel owners to park their vessels at the new moorings so as to avoid the situation mentioned in point (iii) above from taking place.

(v) The TPSA organised cross harbour swimming race in the waters of Yeung Chau West (i.e., Shuen Wan Hoi) every year. Therefore, he was concerned whether there would be any impact due to the department’s expansion of the private mooring area there.

10. Mr. CHEUNG Kwok-wah declared that he was the Chairman of Sam Wo Yeuk, representing all the village representatives and village offices Chairmen of Tai Mei Tuk Tsuen, Lung Mei Tsuen and Lo Tsz Tin Tsuen. His comments were as follows:

(i) He learned about the captioned proposal only after receiving the discussion papers, and the villagers of Sam Wo Yeuk knew nothing about the proposal. Thus, he was surprised by the MD’s claim that it had consulted the local representatives.

(ii) All the village Chairmen and representatives of Sam Wo Yeuk were against the additional provision of private moorings in the district.

(iii) There were 34 private moorings in the existing private mooring area in Tai Mei Tuk. They were very close to the floating platforms of Lung Mei Beach and there was not much space left. If another 20 private moorings were to be added, the area would be very crowded. Adding another 40 private moorings in Shuen Wan Hoi by the department would only make it worse.

(iv) The addition of private moorings would increase the number of vessels parked at Tai Mei Tuk and thus affected the seawater flow. As Tai Mei Tuk was located at the inner bay of the sea, if seawater flow was affected, it would be difficult for the floating refuse in the sea to float away along the seawater after entering the inner bay, and the loads of refuse at Lung Mei Beach and the coastal areas would seriously - 6 -

affect environmental hygiene. If a vessel broke down or leaked fuel, it would even affect and pollute Lung Mei Beach, and it was against the original purpose of constructing Lung Mei Beach.

(v) Many villages of Sam Wo Yeuk were situated near river outfalls. If these outfalls were obstructed by refuse during heavy rain, there would be water back flow and flooding which would not be welcome sights for the villagers.

(vi) There were lots of water sports activities in Tai Mei Tuk, as well as rowing boat rental shops, windsurfing clubs, canoe clubs, yacht clubs, etc. As such, there were many vessels on the sea during the peak season for water sports activities. The additional private moorings would only make the coastal area of Tai Mei Tuk more crowded and increase the likelihood of accidents.

(vii) He opposed the captioned suggestion on behalf of the villagers of Tai Mei Tuk Tsuen, Lung Mei Tsuen and Lo Tsz Tin Tsuen.

11. Mr. YAM Kai-bong, Francis said that the comments of the District Council (“DC”) Member of the constituency concerned, village heads and stakeholders should be respected when considering the addition of private moorings. In addition, he enquired the MD about the vessel types eligible for application and whether boat dwellers were eligible for application.

12. Mr. LAU Yung-wai noticed that the paper had set out that “these private moorings will generally be allocated to pleasure vessels, but other classes of vessels may also apply to use these moorings if their sizes meet the allocation criteria”. In other words, these moorings mainly served the local and non-local yachts. He opined that such an arrangement could not cater for the needs of the fishermen, and he was worried that these non-local vessels would bring about seawater pollution. He indicated that the importance of biodiversity in and Tolo Channel was also discussed at the Agriculture, Fisheries, Commerce, Industries, Tourism and Recreation Affairs Committee (“ATRC”) meeting in the morning, and the view was that pollution should be avoided as far as possible. In addition, he opined that the situation of Tai Po and Sai Kung was different in the sense that there were more fishermen using the inner bays of Tai Po. As such, he was surprised that the department had accorded priority to pleasure vessels, rather than local fishermen, for using these moorings. He hoped that the department would consider the situation more carefully.

13. Mr. YAM Man-chuen said that the MD had assessed the demand for berthing space at typhoon shelters before, but the findings concerned was not mentioned in the paper. He enquired whether the MD proposed the provision of additional moorings there because of the great demand for berthing spaces of the vessels nearby in the area of Shuen Wan. If the provision of additional moorings could not help these vessel owners, why would the department provide additional moorings particularly in the area of Shuen Wan? On the other hand, he opined that as vessels would only operate in specific areas, vessel owners might not park their vessels in other remote - 7 - water area because of its newly added moorings. As such, it would not benefit non-local vessels either. He opined that the information in the paper was insufficient, making it hard for him to get the whole picture and come up with a decision. However, he would respect the comments of the DC Member of the constituency concerned and village representatives. He hoped that the MD would note the afore-mentioned comments and provide supplementary information regarding this agenda item.

14. Ms. CHAN Wai-ka, Olive said that in view of the marine biodiversity in the area of and Shuen Wan Hoi, the Government launched the Ting Kok Coastal Conservation Plan in 2012. She was worried that allowing more yachts to park and carry out different water activities (such as fishing and playing music with loudspeakers, etc.) in the water area concerned would affect the ecological environment, and enquired whether the MD had learnt about the situation concerned from the Environment Bureau beforehand.

15. Mr. MAN Nim-chi’s comments and questions were as follows:

(i) He enquired whether the digits shown in grey in the “Tai Mei Tuk Private Moorings Expansion Plan” indicated the depth of water areas, and whether it was technically more difficult to provide moorings in the water areas that were deeper.

(ii) He opined that whether the DC Member of the constituency concerned and villager representatives supported the project was of particular importance.

(iii) He suspected that the provision of these additional private moorings could only benefit leisure vessels rather than the genuine users and members of the public.

(iv) He opposed the MD for having a predetermined stance before consulting the TTC (i.e., the TTC had to support the proposal) while not providing sufficient information.

(v) He enquired whether the MD had reviewed if the level of fee charged for the private moorings was reasonable. He indicated that the monthly fee of $670 charged for the berthing of a vessel over 11 metres long at the mooring was reasonable. If there was not enough transparency as regards the handling of applications, drawing lots and vetting by the department, he was worried that someone might make unreasonable use of these additional moorings at a low cost. As such, he hoped that the department could provide the relevant information.

16. The Chairman’s comments were as follows:

(i) He had also consulted the residents upon receiving the papers, and they and the relevant village representatives had reservation about the MD’s suggestion.

(ii) The current route of the cross harbour swimming race organised by the TPSA started in Sha Lan and ended at Tai Mei Tuk Water Sports Centre. As Lung Mei Beach - 8 -

would provide more facilities upon its completion, it might be a more suitable finish line of the cross harbour swimming race. If the finish line of the race was changed to Lung Mei Beach, the MD might have to discuss with the TPSA as regards the locations of the vessel parking zones and these additional moorings.

(iii) As there were still many variables, the local residents would like to review the private moorings in Tai Mei Tuk after Lung Mei Beach was ready. As such, they opposed the provision of 20 additional private moorings in Tai Mei Tuk by the department.

(iv) As regards the proposal for providing additional moorings in Yeung Chau West, he hoped that the MD could provide detailed information and fully consult the fishermen societies, village heads and villagers concerned.

17. Mr. Adrian CHAN responded as follows:

(i) The MD had consulted the majority of fishermen societies about the proposal in the past two months, and they did not oppose the department’s proposal in principle.

(ii) The department did not know the location of the start line and finish line of the cross harbour swimming race concerned, but could adjust the location of the private moorings in the private mooring area.

(iii) He noted Mr. CHEUNG Kwok-wah’s opposing views. (iv) There were over 30 vessels parking at Tai Mei Tuk. If there were any safety and seawater pollution issues, he believed that the department would have received complaints and taken follow-up actions.

(v) Apart from the four dwelling vessels in Causeway Bay, the department would no longer issue any new licences for dwelling vessels, and it was against the law for anyone to live on a vessel without a dwelling licence.

(vi) Private moorings could be used by all local vessels, and the department welcomed applications made by different classes of vessels. At present, Class 4 vessels (i.e., pleasure vessels) took up the greatest number of applications, and the additional private moorings were mainly provided for the vessels in the district.

(vii) The report on the “Assessment of Typhoon Shelter Space Requirements” had been uploaded onto the MD’s website. The department would later provide Members with the link concerned via the Secretariat for perusal.

(viii) Regardless of whether the department would provide additional moorings or not, vessels would still be parked in the water area concerned and anchors would be dropped to stabilise them. As such, there was not much correlation between the provision of additional moorings and conservation of marine ecology. - 9 -

(ix) The private mooring charge had to comply with the legal requirement, which could be changed only through established legal procedures.

(x) Water depth had been marked in the “Tai Mei Tuk Private Moorings Expansion Plan”, and both the green zone and red zone in the plan were suitable for the provision of private moorings.

(xi) The department noted the comments of all Members on the provision of additional private moorings in Tai Mei Tuk and Shuen Wan Hoi, and further information would be provided for the TTC where necessary.

(Post-meeting note: According to the MD’s supplementary information, the fishermen societies mentioned in point (i) above included Hong Kong Fishing Village Representatives Association, Hong Kong Fishermen Consortium, Marine Fish Culture Association, Marine Fish Culture Association, Sai Kung (North) Sham Wan Marine Fish Culture Business Association and Sam Mo Shek Wan (Hoi Ha) Fishermen Association.)

18. Mr. CHAN Cho-leung reiterated that the MD did not contact and consult the FCS.

19. Mr. Adrian CHAN indicated that if there were any organisations that had not been contacted, the MD would contact the stakeholders concerned for follow-up action.

20. Mr. CHAN Siu-kuen’s comments were as follows:

(i) The comments made by the stakeholders of the constituency concerned, the FCS, the relevant village offices, village representatives and users, etc., should be respected. The MD should contact them proactively to explain the details and provide supplementary information for any ambiguity, as so to allow them to fully understand the situation.

(ii) He would contact the Director of the TPSA after the meeting to find out whether the additional moorings would affect the route of the cross-harbour swimming race.

(iii) As regards Members’ concerns over safety at sea, seawater pollution and biodiversity, etc., he suggested the department consult the departments concerned for their expertise. He opined that if the additional moorings would have no impact on any of the aspects mentioned above and the stakeholders had no objection to the proposal, the TTC would not oppose the proposal either.

21. Having consolidated Members’ comments, The Chairman indicated that the TTC could not endorse the MD’s proposal (i.e., the addition of moorings in Tai Mei Tuk and Shuen Wan Hoi) at this meeting. Besides, he allowed the discussion on the matter concerning the moorings at the TTC as the MD would also consult the TTC on another matter relating to vessel speed at this - 10 -

meeting. However, he noted that as the ATRC had discussed the matter relating to moorings before, he suggested forwarding the matter to the ATRC for follow-up action, and asked the MD to consult the ATRC about this agenda item in a timely manner. The TTC agreed with the Chairman’s suggestion.

IV. Proposed review on the number of speed restricted zones for vessels, their enforcement period and penalty (TPDC Paper No. TT 59/2018 (Revised))

22. Mr. Anson WONG introduced the captioned paper.

23. Mr. CHAN Cho-leung indicated that after vessels had been parked at private moorings, people on the vessels had to take small feeder boats to go ashore. As such, the MD had to consider whether it had sufficient manpower and resources to monitor the speed of these small boats effectively. Besides, the FCS had dozens of branches at each pier, and all its members had licences of various classes of vessels. He suggested the MD write to the licence owners of all classes of vessels so as to further promote the afore-mentioned new arrangement. In addition, as some of the fishermen were illiterate, the department also had to come up with other ways to allow them to understand all the new arrangements as regards the speed restricted zones clearly.

24. Mr. LI Wah-kwong, Rex’s comments and questions were as follows:

(i) He noted that the MD had consulted most of the stakeholders about the new arrangement, and he also hoped that the MD could write to inform the FCS of the afore-mentioned new arrangement.

(ii) As the swells caused by surfers would endanger those working on small boats and fish rafts, speed limit had to be imposed at the inner water area.

(iii) He enquired whether the fine would commensurate with how serious the speeding offence was.

(iv) He thanked the department for accepting the comments of residents in Sham Wan and Ko Lau Wan to move the speed restricted zone of Wong Shek Pier near the shore.

(v) He hoped that the department would pay attention to and monitor the matter relating to the yachts of the Jockey Club Wong Shek Water Sports Centre entering the waterways so as to prevent accidents.

25. Mr. CHEUNG Kwok-wah’s comments and questions were as follows:

(i) He enquired about the standard of speed limit. - 11 -

(ii) As many members of the public were engaged in various water sports activities, such as rowing and windsurfing, etc. in Sam Mun Tsai, accidents would easily happen if a vessel travelled past the area at a high speed. He hoped that the MD could explain whether the speed restricted zones were the water areas in light blue or dark blue in Annex 5 of the paper (i.e., draft speed restricted zone in Sham Mun Tsai).

26. Mr. Francis YAM enquired whether the MD had taken any law enforcement action at the former speed restricted zones for vessels before. If yes, he hoped that the department could provide the number of prosecutions concerned. Besides, he enquired whether the law enforcement action was taken by the Marine Police (“MP”) or the MD, and whether jet-ski was one of the regulated vessels.

27. Mr. Anson WONG responded as follows:

(i) As the proposed speed restricted zones for vessels had not imposed a legal speed limit, the MD had no authority to take law enforcement action in these zones and thus no prosecution figure was available. At present, the MD would carry out on-site investigation upon receiving a complaint, and could only issue verbal advice to the speeding vessels found. Upon the setting up of the speed restricted zones for vessels, the department would be authorised to take law enforcement action in these zones.

(ii) The MD’s practice in detecting vessel speed was similar to that of the HKPF in detecting vehicle speed. The MD would set up laser speed guns to detect the vessel speed at certain locations of the speed restricted zones, and would issue penalty tickets to the speeding vessels.

(iii) Both the MD and the MP had the authority to take law enforcement action, and would carry out joint actions in the speed restricted zones for vessels in Hong Kong from time to time to combat vessel speeding.

(iv) All the relevant cases would be heard by the Marine Court which would decide the amount of fine according to how serious the speeding offence was. The MD had no authority to impose any fine.

(v) The speedboats used in water sports activities were also subject to the speed limit and would be prosecuted for speeding as well.

28. Mr. CHAN Cho-leung said that the speed limit was targeted at mechanised vessels. In addition, the surfing vessels in Sam Mun Tsai were travelling at a very high speed and the MP would deal with them on-site upon receiving a complaint. He enquired how the MD would deal with the speeding surfing vessels. Besides, he was also worried that shortly after the speed restricted zones for vessels had been set up, many fishermen would suffer financial losses as they - 12 -

were fined for being unfamiliar with the new arrangement concerned. Therefore, he agreed with issuing verbal advice when the new arrangement was first implemented and carrying out publicity with loudspeakers, so as to inform the fishermen and other related parties of the new arrangement concerned.

29. Mr. Rex LI hoped that the department could inform all vessel licence owners of the new arrangement before its implementation, to ensure that they were clear about the location of the speed restricted zones for vessels and not to fall foul of the law.

30. Mr. LEE Chi-wai thanked Members for their comments, saying that the MD would enhance its communication with the fishermen and the FCS, and follow up on the relevant matters with the Members concerned in due course. At the same time, the department would enhance promotion and education and carry them out as soon as possible, so as to promote marine safety.

31. The Chairman said that the TTC supported in principle the proposed amendment to the location of the speed restricted zones for vessels, their enforcement time and period, and their penalty.

V. Progress report of Universal Accessibility Programme – Pedestrian footbridge connecting Garden Arcade and (Structure no. TP03) (TPDC Paper No. TT 60/2018)

32. The Chairman welcomed Mr. YIU Chiu-chung, Senior Engineer, and Mr. HUI Chi-hung, Engineer of the HyD; as well as Mr. CHEUNG Kin-keung, Deputy Managing Director, and Mr. CHAN Ho-kong, Deputy Director of Mannings to the meeting for the discussion of this agenda item.

33. Mr. YIU Chiu-chung introduced the background of the programme.

34. By way of PowerPoint, Mr. CHAN Ho-kong introduced the photomontage, preliminary design and works arrangement of the lift proposed to be constructed at pedestrian footbridge TP03. In additional, as regards the lift retrofitting works at pedestrian subway NS154 (i.e., the pedestrian subway across Tai Po Road near Tai Wo Neighbourhood Community Centre), he indicated that the consultancy had contacted the HD to follow up on the insufficient space at the ground floor exit of the lift. The HD preliminarily agreed to the widening of the pedestrian walkway carried out by the consultancy so as to create more space for the exit.

35. Mr. LAU Yung-wai thanked the HyD and the consultancy for accepting his and Ms. Olive CHAN’s comments to widen the ground floor exit of the lift proposed to be constructed at pedestrian subway NS154. - 13 -

36. Mr. WOO Kin-man, Clement, the Vice-chairman’s comments were as follows:

(i) He was pleased to see that all the projects under the Universal Accessibility Programme (“UAP”) were making progress, and supported the proposal to construct a lift at pedestrian footbridge TP03.

(ii) Pedestrian footbridge TP03 was close to people’s homes. Also, as there were places that food would be processed, such as shopping malls, restaurants and wet markets, etc. nearby, cleaning had to be properly carried out while the works were in progress.

(iii) Vehicles might deliver materials via Po Wu Lane during the course of the works, but there was often congestion. Also, as heavy vehicles and dump trucks of the works projects nearby would also operate at the same location, he reminded the consultancy to carry out traffic assessment properly, so as to minimise the impact on the surrounding traffic during the course of the works as far as possible.

(iv) Even though the proposed lift would be constructed at an ideal location, as trees might have to be felled, he hoped that the consultancy could come up with an alternative proposal.

(v) There was still an overhead access of about 2 metres long between the lift shaft and pedestrian footbridge. He pointed out that the HyD should be responsible for the maintenance and repair of the access and the lift, while the Owners’ Cooperation (“OC”) of Plover Cove Garden would continue to be responsible for the maintenance and repair of pedestrian footbridge TP03.

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

(i) As there were lifts nearby, he had reservation about the proposal to construct a lift at pedestrian footbridge TP03. However, as the TTC had voted for the three locations where lifts would be retrofitted under the UAP (including the proposal for pedestrian footbridge TP03), he could do nothing but to accept the proposal.

(ii) The HyD mainly retrofitted lifts at public pedestrian footbridges or pedestrian subways in the past. However, as pedestrian footbridge TP03 was under private management, he enquired about the liability insurance arrangement. For instance, if members of the public were injured between the areas managed by the HyD and the private company, who should be held liable?

(iii) During the course of the works, vehicles might deliver materials via the road next to Wong Siu Ching Family Medicine Centre (“Wong Siu Ching Clinic”) or the road next to Sung Tak Wong Kin Sheung Memorial School. These heavy vehicles might crush or damage the road surface when travelling on the paving blocks, causing certain danger to the pedestrians. Therefore, he hoped that the HyD could - 14 -

pay more attention to the situation and resurface the roads after the works had been completed if necessary.

(iv) As sizable materials and tools had to be delivered during the course of the works and there was a certain level of pedestrian flow in the works area, he reminded the department and the consultancy to take proper safety precautions.

38. Ms. WONG Pik-kiu’s comments were as follows:

(i) She had an on-site inspection with the consultancy the day before the meeting and talked about the concerns raised by Members earlier, such as the exit and entrance of works vehicles, etc. She expected that works vehicles would be parked outside Wong Siu Ching Clinic to deliver materials. However, she indicated that as many wheelchair users, people with limited mobility and people pushing baby prams would access Wong Siu Ching Clinic via the said walkway, and that there were two schools nearby and many parents had to bring their children to school and pick them up, it was actually not suitable for vehicles to travel in the said location. As such, she asked the consultancy to pay more attention to the situation and suggested retrofitting a complementary access while the works were in progress, so as to minimise the inconvenience caused to the pedestrians.

(ii) She would visit the works site whenever similar lift retrofitting works were being carried out. She commended all the consultancies for doing a good job in setting up hoardings at the works sites and retrofitting temporary complementary pedestrian accesses and ramps in their vicinity, and opined that these measures could benefit the residents. She hoped that these temporary accesses and ramps could become permanent ones so that the residents could continue using them. She also urged the consultancy responsible for the captioned project to keep up with the afore-mentioned work.

(iii) The works involved the construction of an overhead access between the lift shaft and pedestrian footbridge TP03. She indicated that there would be serious water seepage at the pedestrian footbridge during torrential rains. Therefore, she suggested the consultancy carry out on-site inspection during torrential rains to see if the situation would affect the works.

(iv) She hoped that the consultancy could meet the management committee of the OC concerned, so as to brief them on the works, illustrate the design drawings and discuss the relevant arrangement during the works.

39. Mr. Rex LI enquired whether the consultancy at the meeting was the contractor of another works project under the UAP (i.e., lift retrofitting works at the pedestrian footbridge across Sai Sha Road near Symphony Bay (Structure No. TP02)) as well. If yes, he would like to know when the - 15 - preliminary feasibility study proposal for that works project would be ready.

40. Mr. MUI Siu-fung welcomed the captioned works project and opined that retrofitting a lift at pedestrian footbridge TP03 would facilitate the access of the residents. However, he indicated that there were large scale works projects being carried out in the vicinity of Plover Cove Garden and Tai Po Centre Phase III, and the noise and dust created had had certain impact on the residents of these two residential estates. He hoped that the consultancy would carry out proper noise and dust management when launching the captioned works in future, so as to minimise the impact on the residents nearby.

41. Mr. LO Hiu-fung welcomed the captioned works project. He indicated that as the proposed lift was located at the back of Plover Cove Garden, he suggested the consultancy put up signboards at suitable locations in future to remind residents of the location of the lift. In addition, he would like to know for sure whether it was the HyD or the OC concerned which would be responsible for the repair, maintenance and management of the overhead access between the lift shaft and pedestrian footbridge in future.

42. Mr. YIU Chiu-chung responded as follows:

(i) As regards the repair, maintenance and management in future, the work division between the HyD and the OC had to be clearly delineated. The department would delineate all the rights and responsibilities with the OC before commencing the works.

(ii) The area from Po Wu Lane (outside Wong Siu Ching Clinic) to the location of the proposed lift was an emergency vehicular access which would be used by both pedestrians and vehicles. Therefore, there would be certain danger during the course of the works. However, the department would pay extra attention to and closely monitor the situation, and discuss the detailed arrangement with the relevant committees and the DC Member of the constituency concerned, so as to implement the works more smoothly.

(iii) The department would pay special attention to the drainage problem of pedestrian footbridge TP03 in the hope of reducing the likelihood of breakdowns of the lift on rainy days.

(iv) Although the consultancy was working on the preliminary designs for the works projects of NS154, TP02 and TP03 simultaneously, the works project of TP02 was relatively complicated and more time was necessary. After the design had been completed, the department and the consultancy would come to the DC again to consult Members.

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43. Mr. CHAN Ho-kong indicated that the consultancy would also consider the arrangement for material delivery during the design stage, and contact the relevant residential estates before commencing the works or handing it over to the contractors for follow-up action, so as to communicate on the arrangement concerned in advance. Besides, the consultancy would also stipulate in the contract that the contractors would be required to repair the road surface and facilities that were damaged during the course of the works.

44. The Chairman expected that members of the public could use pedestrian footbridge TP03 as usual while the works were in progress. As the contractor had to remove part of the walls of the pedestrian footbridge to construct the access between the lift shaft and pedestrian footbridge, he enquired whether the consultancy had considered taking temporary measures to reinforce the pedestrian footbridge. He explained that even though the part removed was not a structural component of the pedestrian footbridge, as the works would be carried out on a pedestrian footbridge in use, he was highly concerned about pedestrian safety. He suggested the consultancy reinforce the structure of the pedestrian footbridge and strengthen the support of the base of the footbridge as a precaution during the course of the works. Summing up Members’ comments, he indicated that the TTC supported the works concerned, and asked the HyD to continue the gazetting procedures for the works.

VI. Concerns about the serious spalling of bitumen from the road surface after torrential rain (TPDC Paper No. TT 61/2018)

45. Mr. Francis YAM introduced the captioned paper.

46. Mr. SIU Wai-kwan thanked Members for showing concerns about the condition of road surface. He indicated that the durability of carriageway varied according to the actual traffic condition. In general, road surface of sections with greater traffic flow of heavy vehicles and higher frequency of starting and braking would be more susceptible to wear and tear. Taking the road surfaced with bitumen as an example, sharp bends, chemical erosion, rainy season / torrential rain, rainwater and hard objects rubbing against the road surface, as well as vehicles making turns would all affect the durability of the carriageway. He continued that the three photos attached in the captioned paper were showing either a crossroad or roundabout, which were more susceptible to damage. As regards the five questions raised in the paper, he responded as follows:

(i) There were many reasons for road damage and they could be highly complicated. In general, the HyD would decide whether to resurface the road according to the overall condition of the road surface. Therefore, no record as regards the number of bitumen resurfacing merely because of rain in the past three years was available. - 17 -

(ii) The three resurfacing works mentioned in the paper cost somewhere around $100,000 each.

(iii) In general, the department could complete the emergency repair work within 48 hours upon receiving the road surface damage report. If weather permitted, the department would strive to complete the relevant repair work within 24 hours.

(iv) The department would set out the standard of the materials used, as well as the requirements and details of the works in the road management and repair works contract (“RMRW contract”) for all road repair works. As requested by the RMRW contract, the contractors had to submit a proposal as regards the materials used and detailed procedures of each works that would be approved by the department. During the works, the monitoring staff would closely monitor the contractors to ensure that they were using the approved materials and had followed the relevant procedures strictly when carrying out the works. Besides, during the works or after the works had been completed, the department would collect bitumen samples and drilling templates for testing, so as to further ensure that both the materials used and work quality had met the requirement.

(v) The department knew that road damage would cause inconvenience to members of the public. To identify and repair the damaged road surface as soon as possible, the Maintenance Division of Tai Po District of the department had devised a monitoring mechanism, under which it would patrol the road surface damage blackspots immediately after torrential rain to minimise the impact on the public. The department would closely monitor the number of road surface repair work and the seriousness of the damage, so as to adjust the area and depth of bitumen resurfacing in a timely manner.

47. Mr. TAM Wing-fun, Eric’s comments and questions were as follows:

(i) He agreed that there was serious spalling of bitumen from the road surface after torrential rain, especially on the road sections with more buses (such as the junction off McDonald’s in Fortune Plaza, the junction of On Cheung Road and On Chee Road, the junction of Tai Wo Road and Po Heung Bridge, the junction of Po Heung Bridge and Kwong Fuk Road, etc.). There was spalling of bitumen almost every time after torrential rain.

(ii) Apart from causing inconvenience, it would also endanger members of the public. For instance, when small vehicles and motorcycles travelled past the damaged road surface, they might lose control or even flip sideways. He enquired whether the spalling of bitumen after torrential rain was inevitable regardless of the techniques and materials used. - 18 -

(iii) For some locations also with high vehicular flow (such as Kwong Fuk Roundabout), the damage in road surface was relatively minor, which was markedly different from what was set out in point (i). He enquired about the reasons and whether the situation was different because different materials had been used.

48. Mr. MUI Siu-fung indicated that there was serious spalling of bitumen from the road surface of the section between Tai Po Centre Bus Terminus and On Chee Road whenever it was raining. During the inspection on 29 August 2018, he almost witnessed an accident caused by the spalling of bitumen from the road surface when a motorcycle was turning onto On Cheung Road at the junction of On Chee Road, showing that road damage could create danger. He indicated that the afore-mentioned location was a bus exit and entrance where the bitumen on the road surface was often subject to considerable weight. As such, it was highly susceptible to damage which would reappear soon after repair works had been carried out. As such, he enquired whether the department could resurface the road with special materials to reduce wear and tear.

49. Mr. YAM Man-chuen’s comments and questions were as follows:

(i) Spalling of bitumen from the road surface did not occur only in the three locations mentioned in the paper. It happened across the territory.

(ii) Subsidence and pot holes had also been found in the vicinity of Fu Heng Estate Bus Stop. Within one to two weeks after the Administration had filled these holes, the road surface was once again covered with stones and broken bitumen. He opined that it was useless for the department to repair the road surface time and again.

(iii) He commended the HyD for being able to arrange for large scale resurfacing works within 48 hours upon receiving a complaint. While there was no major damage on the road surface so far, there was a lot of minor wear and tear.

(iv) Vehicles were susceptible to skidding at the three locations mentioned in the paper. Therefore, he enquired the department about the solution to the problem to avoid accidents.

(v) Spalling of bitumen in recent years had become more serious compared with the past. Even though bitumen had been repaved, they would be easily damaged again. He enquired the department about the reasons, such as whether it was because different materials had been used.

50. Ms. Olive CHAN’s comments and questions were as follows:

(i) Citing media reports, she indicated that if a vehicle happened to travel past these pot holes, its wheels might be damaged which would result in an accident, but the owner could not claim damages against the HyD. In particular, she pointed out that drivers - 19 -

might not have a clear view when it was raining, and thus drove past these pot holes as they could not see the road condition ahead clearly, resulting in accidents.

(ii) As regards the department’s earlier claim that it did not have the figures on bitumen resurfacing work due to rain, she suggested the department start recording such data to facilitate a more comprehensive road surface condition assessment and to conduct repair work.

(iii) She suspected that the department’s requirement for road surface repair was too low that resulted in the frequent damage of road surface. She hoped that the department could raise the requirement for road surface repair, such as improving the materials, works procedures and methods, etc. Otherwise, the current situation would remain unchanged.

(iv) As regards the department’s claim to have devised a monitoring mechanism to patrol the blackspots that were more susceptible to road surface damage, she would like to know the number of blackspots in Tai Po District and their exact location.

51. Mr. KWAN Wing-yip indicated that apart from road surface damage after rain, he also noticed the folding of bitumen road surface. He enquired whether the problem could not be solved using the existing technique and therefore resurfacing works was often required. Besides, he also noticed some hemi-spherical pot holes on the road surface and enquired about the causes.

52. Mr. Francis YAM’s questions were as follows:

(i) Some vehicles had been damaged after travelling past road surface with pot holes or spalling of bitumen, but the owners could not claim damages against the HyD. He would like to know how the road surface monitoring team of the department would examine the damage on road surface, or whether the department would consider providing contact methods for Members to report on the location of defective road surface to the department in a proactive manner.

(ii) Summing up other Members’ comments, he opined that spalling or damage of bitumen was not uncommon. He hoped that the department could enhance the paving technique as well as works requirements.

(iii) He understood that repaving the entire road surface required more resources, and it might also give rise to problems like air pollution (such as the foul odour emitted from the repaving of bitumen). However, merely repaving the damaged road surface was ineffective as it would be damaged again quickly, which was a waste of resources to a certain extent. He hoped that the department could give a response.

53. Mr. LAU Yung-wai’s comments and questions were as follows:

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(i) Citing media reports, he indicated that a vehicle was damaged after falling into a sizable pot hole. However, as there was no way to prove any direct linkage between the accident and the pot hole on the road surface, the case had dragged on for more than a year but there was still no resolution in sight. He said that such incidents took place occasionally and hoped that the department could pay more attention to it.

(ii) He enquired whether the figures on the cases over the past three years were not available was because the department could not confirm that the damage on road surface was caused by rain. He indicated that some members of the public had been splashed by broken bitumen when walking past On Chee Road on a rainy day, and the department had also taken follow-up action and repaired the road surface quickly. He opined that these examples showed that the damage on road surface was related to rain, and he could not understand why the department did not have the relevant record.

(iii) The department mentioned that the works cost somewhere around $100,000 each. He enquired whether it meant that repairing every pot hole cost somewhere around $100,000.

(iv) He enquired whether all the bitumen samples taken by the department from the contractors in the past had met the requirements. He indicated that the condition of road surface had often been ridiculed for its subsidence or the presence of broken bitumen. If no problem had ever been found when taking samples every time, how would the department explain these situations?

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

(i) He opined that compared with the paving materials used by the department in the past, those used at present took less time to dry. While the pros were that it took less time to complete the works and the road surface could be reopened as soon as possible, the cons were that the materials were of an inferior quality and were not as strong and durable as those used in the past.

(ii) He understood that it was difficult for the department to apply for an excavation permit to repave the road every time damage was found. As such, the pot holes were filled in a temporary manner more often than not. However, due to the unstable weather and frequent rain earlier, the road surface filled in a temporary manner was damaged again very quickly.

(iii) Drivers sometimes had difficulties noticing the pot holes from far away. Driving through pot holes would not only give them a bumpy ride, but also damage their vehicles as a matter of fact. He indicated that the owners might not be able to notice the damage to the vehicles immediately. Very often, it would take them a while to notice the “after-effects” their vehicles had developed due to the bumpy ride. As - 21 -

regards the afore-mentioned situation, he enquired whether the owners could claim damages against the HyD or the Government. Besides, if the windshield of a vehicle was damaged because of the rocks being kicked up on the expressway, could the owner claim damages against the Government?

55. Mr. CHOW Yuen-wai reflected that there was spalling of bitumen on Tai Wo Road near Tai Po Fire Station and asked the HyD to take note.

56. Mr. Ken YU indicated that slippery road would lead to traffic accidents. Therefore, he hoped that when the department resurfaced the road, it could apply anti-skid dressing on slopes, hidden slopes and bends, etc., so as to reduce the likelihood of skidding.

57. The Chairman said that there would be subsidence and broken rocks in many cross-junctions in Tai Po District (especially those with more buses travelling past) after rain. Therefore, he urged the HyD to look into the problem and come up with a long-term solution.

58. Mr. SIU Wai-kwan responded as follows:

(i) He thanked Members for their comments and questions. (ii) He understood that Members were highly concerned about the danger caused by the pot holes and uneven road surface. As such, if such situation took place, the HyD would deal with it within 24 hours wherever possible.

(iii) Even though instant repair of road surface might be relatively less durable, there was no problem with the materials. He hoped that Members could understand that the department had to race against time by filling these pot holes as quickly as possible to eliminate the immediate danger. After resurfacing the road, the department would also closely monitor the situation. If it was found that instant road resurfacing had failed to improve the road surface situation on a sustainable basis, the department would take into account the situation and carry out partial repair or resurfacing works which, he believed, would be more durable.

(iv) The department had provided channels for members of the public to report on damaged road surface and, once receiving such reports, would deal with them as soon as possible. In addition, the department also had an established claim mechanism where claims would be handed over to the insurance companies and contractors for follow-up action.

(v) The department would continue to closely monitor the situation, and carry out drilling work to find out whether there was any problem with the bottom layer of bitumen if necessary. Once the cause of the problem had been found, the department would root it out immediately with any delay. - 22 -

(vi) The expense for filling pot holes on road surface had been covered by the fixed cost of road repair service in the RMRW contract. As such, the department would not have to pay extra for individual instant resurfacing works. Whether partial resurfacing works would cost extra depended on whether the road section concerned was still within the maintenance period. If the department found it necessary to carry out relatively large scale resurfacing works, it would issue works orders to the contractors and pay the amount concerned. As regards the three locations mentioned in the paper, the department had carried out resurfacing works which cost somewhere around $100,000 each.

(Post-meeting note: As regards the damaged road surface mentioned in point (iv) above, the HyD indicated that members of the public could report the damage by calling 1823 or visiting the HyD’s website.)

VII. Request for the provision of overnight bus services between Hong Kong Island and Tai Po (TPDC Paper No. TT 62/2018)

59. The Chairman welcomed Mr. WONG Hon-chung, Simon, Planning and Scheduling Manager of Citybus to the meeting for the discussion of this agenda item.

60. Mr. LAU Yung-wai introduced the captioned paper.

61. Ms. MA Flora indicated that the TD noted Members’ concerns. As the bus route concerned was jointly operated by KMB and Citybus, the department had to study in detail with the two bus companies on the ways to increase the provision of overnight bus services for Tai Po residents. At present, route N307 mainly provided bus services for Tai Po residents from Central and Causeway Bay to Tai Po on special occasions (such as during the Lunar New Year Fair held at Victoria Park). Besides, route N373 commenced service in late August and covered some of the areas in Tai Po District. She asked the bus companies to detail the service situation of route N373 at present to Members and provide comments on the provision of overnight bus services between Hong Kong Island and Tai Po.

62. Mr. LEE Shut-hang, Imgmar said that the newly added route N373 commenced service in late August, providing overnight bus services between Hong Kong Island and Tai Po for some of the rural areas in Tai Po District. However, KMB was still willing to provide more overnight bus services for Tai Po District, and continue to carry out studies in this regard with the TD.

63. Mr. Simon WONG welcomed Members’ request for regularising route N307 to meet the demand of Tai Po residents for travelling to and from Hong Kong Island at the early hours. Citybus would proactively discuss the proposal concerned with the KMB and the TD. - 23 -

64. Mr. Francis YAM was pleased to note that both KMB and Citybus supported the provision of regular overnight bus services between Hong Kong Island and Tai Po. As the route had secured the support from bus companies and residents, the proposal should be implemented as soon as possible. Just now, KMB representative did not mention the number of passengers of route N373 that had commenced service. He opined that as route N307 was jointly operated by KMB and Citybus, it would be unfair to Citybus if route N373 was solely operated by KMB. He hoped that Citybus and KMB could work together to secure the provision of a regular overnight bus route between Hong Kong Island and Tai Po in a proactive manner, and believed that all Members would be willing to join hands with the bus companies in securing the route. He asked KMB and Citybus to incorporate route N373 or other similar routes into the Bus Route Planning Programme 2019, and provide the route so that the proposed provision of the afore-mentioned overnight bus services could be implemented.

65. Mr. YAM Man-chuen said that none of the Members present was against the proposal to regularise route N307, while KMB and Citybus indicated at the previous Working Group on Provision of Public Bus and Minibus Services (“WGPPB”) meeting that they would study the regularisation of route N307. He enquired if the two bus companies had carried out any preliminary communication and studies as regards the afore-mentioned matter after the meeting. If yes, he hoped that the bus companies could provide Members with the relevant information.

66. Mr. WU Cheuk-him indicated that he had been waiting for the provision of regular overnight bus services between Hong Kong Island and Tai Po for over 30 years, and hoped that the departments concerned would ditch the stalling tactics by putting forward a detailed proposal for the route concerned in 2019.

67. Ms. Flora MA said that she noted Members’ comments and hoped that time could be given for the TD, the KMB and Citybus to study the proposal concerned together, so as to make the best use of resources in serving Tai Po residents. The department would submit proposals and consult Members in the Bus Route Planning Programme or at the meetings in future.

68. Mr. Imgmar LEE said that KMB would continue to follow up on the matter with the TD after the meeting.

69. Mr. Simon WONG said that Citybus strongly supported Members’ proposal to provide more overnight bus services between Hong Kong Island and Tai Po.

70. The Chairman said that he also supported the provision of overnight bus services between Hong Kong Island and Tai Po.

71. Mr. LAU Yung-wai thanked Members for supporting the proposal, and believed that most of - 24 -

the Tai Po residents supported the provision of overnight bus services between Hong Kong Island and Tai Po. As the bus companies also supported the provision of the relevant services, he hoped that the proposal concerned could be taken forward as soon as possible.

VIII. Objection against route 73B skipping Tai Wo Service Road West (TPDC Paper No. TT 63/2018)

72. Mr. CHAN Cho-leung indicated that he would withdraw the motion in TPDC Paper No. TT 63/2018. He supplemented that after on-site inspection, the bus company proposed operating route 73B as a circular route. When travelling from North District to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, it would travel past Highway Interchange instead of Tai Wo Service Road West. On the return trip, it would travel past Tai Wo Service Road West. With the assistance provided by Ms. WONG Pik-kiu and the Transport Officers of the TD, etc., and after communicating with the stakeholders such as the relevant village heads, KMB and minibus companies, they said that they understood the actual operation difficulties of the bus route and agreed to accept the proposal. The afore-mentioned proposal was still pending the TD’s approval.

73. The seconder of the motion, Mr. TANG Ming-tai, Patrick, agreed with Mr. CHAN Cho-leung’s comments.

74. Ms. Flora MA indicated that the TD understood the residents’ requests and Members’ concerns, and was preparing the consultation paper for the proposal concerned. For the time being, route 73B would commence service on 17 September as scheduled so as not to affect other passengers. The department would report on the latest progress to the DC Members concerned in a timely manner.

75. The Chairman said that as both the mover and seconder withdrew the motion in TPDC Paper No. TT 63/2018, the TTC would no longer discuss this agenda item. The TTC agreed with the Chairman’s suggestion.

IX. Route consultation for Tai Po Half Marathon 2018 (TPDC Paper No. TT 64/2018)

76. The Chairman welcomed Mr. YIP Ho-yeung, Sports Executive of the TPSA; Mr. CHAN Kun-ying, Ricky and Mr. WAN Tung-sing, Event and Race Director as well as Programme Manager of Sportsoho respectively, to the meeting for the discussion of this agenda item. He continued that earlier on, the TPSA had written to consult the TTC about the route of Tai Po Half Marathon 2018 to be held in the morning of 2 December 2018. As some Members’ had - 25 - requested a discussion on the matters concerned at the meeting, the TTC had invited the TPSA representative to this TTC meeting.

77. Mr. YIP Ho-yeung introduced the captioned paper, and Mr. Ricky CHAN introduced the route of Tai Po Half Marathon 2018.

78. Ms. WONG Pik-kiu’s comments were as follows:

(i) She strongly supported the race, saying that the event had an excellent atmosphere and should be encouraged.

(ii) Citing the situation last year, she said that as the organiser had closed the running track and pedestrian walkway along River, those who did not take part in the race could only walk or run on the cycling track which was dangerous. She asked the organiser to explain where those people and other joggers should walk or run during this years’ race.

(iii) It was a major event in Tai Po District and many people would stop by to watch at places like Kwong Fuk Bridge and Po Heung Bridge during the race and take picture of the participants. However, it had made different areas in the district even more crowded. As such, she asked the organiser to put up banners at prominent spots in the district as soon as possible to inform the residents when the race would be held and which road sections would be closed for the race, so as to allow time for the residents to make corresponding arrangement to avoid congestion.

(iv) The route last year included the pedestrian crossing outside Tai Po Complex. Despite the HKPF’s assistance in directing the traffic, there was a lot of confusion as there were runners as well as members of the public who were heading for the market to buy food. Therefore, she opined that the route should not go through there.

(v) As for this year’s route, she indicated that the pedestrian walkway on Tung Cheung Street was so narrow that it was difficult for the participants to run on it, unless the organiser had applied for the closure of the entire road.

79. Mr. MUI Siu-fung’s comments were as follows:

(i) He strongly supported the event. (ii) Even though vehicular flow on Sunday morning was lower, traffic was still relatively busy at about 8:00 a.m. As such, he suggested the organiser move forward the start time of the race (7:50 a.m. at present) so as to avoid implementing special traffic measures during the peak hours as far as possible.

(iii) He hoped that the organiser could enhance the publicity so that more people would know and participate in this major event in Tai Po. - 26 -

80. Mr. CHEUNG Kwok-wah said that Sportsoho had been organising triathlons in Tai Mei Tuk for years and was willing to listen to every village representative while organising the event. As such, he was willing to allow the organiser to organise these events. However, to avoid obstructing the nearby residents, he asked the organiser to move forward the finish time of the event. As far as this marathon was concerned, he asked the organiser to consider moving forward the finish time of the event so as to minimise the impact on the residents. Besides, he suggested enhancing the publicity campaign and putting up signboards or even LED signboards at suitable locations to inform members of the public of the date and time of the event so that there would not be overcrowding. He opined that this event could enhance the image of Tai Po District and therefore should be encouraged and supported.

81. Mr. AU Chun-wah’s comments were as follows:

(i) According to the route, runners would turn left onto Kwong Fuk Road from Tung Cheung Street, and continued their way along the pedestrian walkway or cycling track of Kwong Fuk Football Ground. He enquired whether the organiser would close the slow lane of Kwong Fuk Road. If they chose to close the slow lane of Kwong Fuk Road, the bus stops there might be affected. Therefore, he asked the organiser to carry out the publicity work properly.

(ii) He agreed with moving forward the start time of the event and reopening all the roads before 8 a.m. so as to minimise the impact on Tai Po residents and the overall traffic in the district. However, moving forward the start time of the event might also give rise to noise problem. He opined that facilities such as pedestrian walkways, cycling tracks and carriageways would inevitably be affected to different extents during the event. However, it would be most ideal to carry out the event when the pedestrian flow was the lowest and to minimise the impact on the community after the event.

(iii) He opined that the organiser should fully publicise the event as well as its impact on the vicinity (such as road closure). Citing the situation of Tai Po Celebrates the Birthday of Tin Hau Blessing Parade as an example, he pointed out that if the organiser of the event had properly publicised the event on the internet or in the community in a timely manner, such as informing members of the public of the road closure time, the arrangement concerned and the bus services affected, etc., he believed that there would be less complaint among members of the public.

82. Mr. Eric TAM’s comments and questions were as follows:

(i) He supported the event and wished the organiser success.

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(ii) He agreed with moving forward the start and finish time of the event so as to minimise the impact on the traffic.

(iii) As Tung Cheung Street was relatively narrow, he enquired whether the participants would have spread out or be bunched up like at the start when they reached there. He was worried that Tung Cheung Street would be overcrowded when too many runners entered at the same time.

(iv) He agreed that with a route running through Tai Po Town Centre, the race could create the atmosphere and drive up public enthusiasm towards sports, and the cheerleading teams could also encourage the runners. However, the cheerleading teams would indeed bring about noise while they were cheering. As such, he suggested the organiser pay attention to the situation and try to deploy volunteers to remind the cheerleading teams to stand at the side of the road but not in the middle so as not to obstruct other pedestrians.

83. Mr. Clement WOO, the Vice-chairman, strongly supported the TPSA for organising the marathon and opined that running at the town centre could indeed drive up the atmosphere. As such, he hoped that the organiser could learn from last year to adjust the route and arrangement of the race accordingly and enhance communication, so as to make this year’s event even more successful while members of the public would be tolerating and understanding.

84. The Chairman’s comments were as follows:

(i) Last year’s route went through , an area he was particularly concerned with, and therefore he went to Heung Sze Wui Street and Wan Tau Street to find out the situation on the day of the event. He noticed that road closure had indeed caused inconvenience to members of the public who went shopping at Tai Po Hui Market in the morning, and some of them were not pleased when being stopped by the event marshals from crossing the road.

(ii) As the organiser had closed some of the roads when organising the event last year, some minibuses and buses could not pull in at the stops and members of the public were not happy that they had to walk to other stops to get on board. While the paper had not set out the road sections to be closed for this year’s event, he believed that the organiser would learn from the experience and understand the impact brought about by the closure of stops. He hoped that the organiser would fully assess the impact of road closure and do its best to minimise the impact on the residents.

(iii) Last year, the organiser tried to expand the route to the town centre with the hope of driving up the atmosphere. However, he noticed that members of the public did not enjoy it and many even complained why they were not allowed to cross the road.

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(iv) Tung Cheung Street was a two-way road with narrow pedestrian walkways. The organiser should carefully consider whether it was necessary for runners to run past there.

85. Mr. Ricky CHAN responded as follows:

(i) The organiser had deployed staff to monitor the impact of the event on the town centre last year. As such, this year’s route would not go through the area of Tai Po Hui Market.

(ii) He explained the reason why the event had been scheduled to start at about 8 a.m. was that many people found it more acceptable to start the event at 8 a.m. He would study whether the start time of the event could be moved forward by 15 minutes. However, further co-ordination with the TPSA would be necessary.

(iii) The organiser had measured the traffic flow of Tung Cheung Street and Ting Kok Road on a Sunday morning, and found that the traffic flow was low (only 140 vehicles passing by in 30 minutes), and there were alternate routes for vehicles as well. Besides, as the pedestrian walkways of Tung Cheung Street were narrow, closing the entire Tung Cheung Street would not only allow runners to run past, but also set aside other wider roads for the pedestrians, thus reducing the impact on them.

(iv) It was anticipated that there would be as many as 8 000 participants this year. As such, the organiser had separated the participants of half marathon and 10-kilometre race (“10 km race”) to different starting lines so as to minimise the impact on the community.

86. Mr. AU Chun-wah enquired about the number of participants of half marathon and 10 km race this year.

87. Mr. Ricky CHAN anticipated that there would be approximately 4 000 participants for half marathon and 10 km race each this year.

X. Proposed addition of bicycle parking facilities in Tai Po New Town

88. The Chairman said that the TD had earlier proposed the addition of bicycle parking spaces at six locations in the district, and four of them had been dealt with at the previous TTC meeting. A decision for the remaining two (which were located outside Treasure Garden and outside Tai Po Market MTR Station respectively) would be made after an on-site inspection. The TTC carried out the on-site inspection on 3 September 2018.

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

(i) The proposed bicycle parking spaces (No. TP-P017) were located in the vicinity of Treasure Garden. After inspecting the site, the TD agreed that there was no noticeable demand for bicycle parking at the site. Also, as the road section concerned might have higher pedestrian flow during festivals, the TD would not take forward this proposal.

(ii) The proposed bicycle parking spaces (No. TP-P001) were located near Tai Po Market MTR Station. The department originally planned to turn the existing bicycle parking spaces into two rows of back-to-back “1-up-1-down” parking racks to provide a total of 68 parking spaces. A Member asked whether they could be turned into double-deck parking racks. However, due to space constraint, they could not be turned into back-to-back “1-up-1-down” parking racks and only 40 parking spaces could be provided under this proposal. After considering the two proposals, the department opined that the original proposal could utilise space more effectively. Therefore, the department would like to continue with the original proposal.

90. Mr. Eric TAM said that as the DC Member of the constituency covering Treasure Garden, he supported abandoning the proposal for No. TP-P017.

91. Mr. LAU Yung-wai said that there were a lot of bicycles illegally parked at Tai Po Old Market. After the proposal to provide additional parking spaces at Treasure Garden had been abandoned, he hoped that the TD would consider providing more parking racks by other means to make it more convenient for members of the public. As regards Tai Wo, after the two proposals to provide bicycle parking spaces at the side door of Serenity Park and in the vicinity of Greenery Plaza had been abandoned, the TD’s officers had promised to consider providing parking racks near the entrance of Tai Wo Estate off Hang Wo House. He hoped that the department could take follow-up action as soon as possible.

92. Mr. LO Hiu-fung, the DC Member of the constituency covering Tai Po Market MTR Station, agreed to take forward No. TP-P001 according to the original proposal. However, he hoped that the TD would properly manage the afore-mentioned bicycle parking spaces, and especially deal with the abandoned bicycles there.

93. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung indicated that the department was identifying suitable locations in the district to provide additional parking spaces for bicycles and vehicles. He would report in detail in a later agenda item. For the time being, he briefed Members on the matters concerned:

(i) It was suggested that additional metered parking spaces for private vehicles should be provided on Dai Shing Street and Dai King Street in and on - 30 -

She Shan Road, as well as parking spaces for motorcycles on Chung Nga Road.

(ii) Consultation was being carried out on the proposed provision of additional bicycle parking spaces at the following locations, including the area off Kwong Fuk Park, Yuen Shin Road near Fu Shin Estate, as well as Sai Sha Road near Symphony Bay. The TD would continue to identify suitable locations in the district for the provision of additional parking spaces, and would examine the locations suggested by Members. Consultation regarding the provision of additional bicycle parking spaces would be carried out if the location was deemed suitable.

94. The Chairman indicated that the TTC agreed to heed the TD’s advice to take forward the proposal for No. TP-P001 and shelve the proposal for No. TP-P017.

XI. Matters arising from the minutes of the 4th meeting in 2018 of the TTC on 13 July 2018 (TPDC Paper No. TT 65/2018)

(1) Demand for the prompt setting up of a bus stop on Lam Tsuen Heung Kung Sho Road

95. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung said that as the section of Lam Tsuen Heung Kung Sho Road connecting Lam Kam Road was rather steep, buses would travel on the opposite lane while turning left from Lam Tsuen Heung Kung Sho Road onto the junction of Lam Kam Road, thus affecting the traffic and driving safety of Lam Kam Road to a certain extent. The TD, the HKPF and the KMB had tentatively scheduled a road test in October 2018 to evaluate the impact.

96. Ms. Flora MA supplemented that during Chinese New Year, the reason why KMB could use the temporary bus stop on Lam Tsuen Heung Kung Sho Road as the bus stop for route 63R was that police officers were there directing the traffic, thus making the bus operation rather safe. She asked the HKPF to explain the difficulties for buses to turn onto Lam Kam Road to the TTC.

97. Mr. TSUI Yik-fuk’s comments were as follows:

(i) Over the past few years, the HKPF had deployed officers to help direct the traffic on Lam Tsuen Heung Kung Sho Road during the Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival.

(ii) It was a T-junction between Lam Kam Road and Lam Tsuen Heung Kung Sho Road. As buses were over 11 metres long, there was insufficient space on Lam Kam Road for buses to turn right onto Lam Tsuen Heung Kung Sho Road. As such, the HKPF had to stop the vehicles on the opposite lane to allow buses to make the turn safely. When buses were turning from Lam Tsuen Heung Kung Sho Road onto Lam Kam Road, they were also faced with the problem of insufficient space on the road, and - 31 -

could make the turn only by travelling on the opposite lane. Therefore, vehicles travelling in either direction would have to stop to allow buses to make the turn.

(iii) As regards the afore-mentioned situation, the TD, the HKPF and the KMB expected to carry out a road test at the site in October 2018.

98. Mr. Patrick TANG understood the difficulty for buses to make the turn. He hoped that the TD, the HKPF and the KMB could carry out the road test at the site with Mr. CHAN Cho-leung, so as to decide whether to set up a temporary bus stop on Lam Tsuen Heung Kung Sho Road.

(2) Request for more parking spaces in Tai Po

99. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung indicated that the TD had been proactively identifying suitable locations in the district to provide additional parking spaces for vehicles and bicycles. As regards the vehicle parking spaces, the department’s suggestions were as follows:

(i) Adding five to six night-time parking spaces at the metered car park on Dai Shing Street in Tai Po Industrial Estate. The suggestion concerned was at the consultation stage at present.

(ii) Turning the metered parking spaces for private vehicles on Dai King Street and Dai Hei Street in Tai Po Industrial Estate into night-time parking spaces for goods vehicles. The suggestion concerned was at the consultation stage at present.

(iii) Providing 24 metered parking spaces for private vehicles on the newly constructed slip road of She Shan Road. The works concerned was nearly completed.

(iv) Providing five additional motorcycle parking spaces on Chung Nga Road. The works concerned were completed in June 2018 and the facilities had been opened to the public.

As regards bicycle packing spaces, the department was conducting district consultation on the provision of additional bicycle parking spaces at the locations as follows:

(i) Providing 80 additional bicycle parking spaces off Kwong Fuk Park. (ii) Providing 22 additional bicycle parking spaces on Yuen Shin Road near Fu Shin Estate.

(iii) Providing 80 additional bicycle parking spaces on Sai Sha Road near Symphony Bay.

As regards mechanical parking racks, the department would report to the TTC once further information was available.

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100. Mr. Patrick TANG had suggested the TD consider extending the parking hours of metered parking spaces in remote areas (such as Kam Shek New Village) at the previous meeting. He enquired whether the department had considered the suggestion and whether it could make a response.

101. Mr. Francis YAM’s comments and questions were as follows:

(i) He had not received the TD’s consultation paper as regards the provision of additional bicycle parking spaces in Fu Shin Estate, but would learn about the situation and comment later on.

(ii) These additional bicycle parking spaces might be occupied by abandoned, damaged, idle or shared bicycles. As a result, many residents would rather not to have additional bicycle parking spaces. As regards the afore-mentioned situation, if the department did not have a proper solution, he was worried that the additional bicycle parking spaces would eventually become “bicycle graveyards”.

(iii) He enquired whether the night-time parking spaces for goods vehicles to be provided in Tai Po Industrial Estate were metered parking spaces or general ones. If they were metered parking spaces, drivers would have to go back to feed the meters every two hours. As such, he opined that they would not serve much practical purpose.

102. Mr. Eric TAM said that as drivers were unlikely to go back to feed the meters every one to two hours (especially during holidays), he agreed that the provision of additional metered parking spaces for goods vehicles would not serve much practical purpose. Meanwhile, the five newly added motorcycle parking spaces on Chung Nga Road were immensely popular, and had attracted the motorcycles that were originally parked in the vicinity illegally to be parked there. He asked the department to take note of the situation concerned and consider increasing the number of motorcycle parking spaces there.

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

(i) The suggestion on providing additional metered parking spaces in Tai Po Industrial Estate was at the consultation stage, and the department had also noted the comments raised by Members earlier. He would contact the Members concerned after the meeting to provide more information on the type of parking spaces, and the department would also consider whether to provide meter devices at the parking spaces concerned.

(ii) He noted Members’ suggestion on providing more parking spaces on Chung Nga Road, and the department would also continue to identify suitable locations to provide more parking spaces for vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles. - 33 -

(iii) He noted Members’ comments on the provision of additional bicycle parking spaces on Yuen Shin Road.

(iv) At present, the department was reviewing the suggestion of extending the parking time for metered parking spaces in remote areas and would reply as soon as possible.

104. Mr. Patrick TANG hoped that the TD could review the parking spaces from the users’ perspectives and consider whether they could use these parking spaces. Taking the additional parking spaces to be provided in Tai Po Industrial Estate as an example, the department should consider how the users could feed the meters and fully consult the relevant property management offices in Tai Po Industrial Estate as they were the main users of the parking spaces for goods vehicles. Also, he hoped that the traffic in the Industrial Estate would not be affected by the additional parking spaces.

105. Mr. LI Yiu-ban said that many parking spaces in the rural area had turned into metered parking spaces and the users had to feed the meters every two hours. Therefore, if villagers had to visit the town centre, they had to drive their way there to avoid receiving penalty tickets for not feeding the meters in time. As a result, it had also worsened the traffic congestion problem at the town centre. On the other hand, he opined that it was not a right move to remove the meters as these parking spaces might be occupied by abandoned vehicles on a long-term basis. As such, he suggested the department consider extending the parking time for metered parking spaces in the New Territories from two hours to four hours or more, so as to make it more convenient for the use of residents and visitors. He indicated that the Government had mentioned that the time limit for meters could not be extended as it was governed by law. However, his suggestion was put forward more than ten years ago and there was no improvement yet. He said that there were many vacant parking spaces in the rural area. If the department could extend the time limit for meters, he believed that it could help ease the demand for parking spaces at Tai Po Town Centre.

106. Mr. LO Hiu-fung asked the department to speed up the study on relaxing the time limit for the metered parking spaces in Kam Shek New Village. Besides, he had also brought up in the past that the site under the flyover near Lai Chi Shan had been left vacant for a long time and only the HyD’s materials were placed there. As such, he hoped that the TD would study the feasibility of turning the site into temporary parking spaces.

107. Mr. LAU Yung-wai said that apart from a shortage of parking spaces for private vehicles, there was also a serious shortage of motorcycle parking spaces in the area of Tai Po Old Market and Greenery Plaza, where the existing motorcycle parking spaces had been occupied by some vehicles which had been left idle for a long time. He hoped that the departments concerned could take follow-up actions and provide more motorcycle parking spaces there.

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

(i) The TD would carry out surveys and draw up improvement proposals according to the usage rate of metered parking spaces. As regards the metered car parks with a relatively low usage rate mentioned by Members, the department would carry out surveys and review the improvement proposals.

(ii) The department would enquire the District Lands Office about the usage of the site under the flyover near Lai Chi Shan, and contact Mr. LO Hiu-fung for follow-up action after the meeting.

(iii) The department noted Mr. LAU Yung-wai’s comments and would proactively identify locations in Tai Po Old Market to provide more motorcycle parking spaces.

(3) Proposed addition of a lane / covered taxi stand next to the Kwong Fuk Roundabout

109. Ms. PUN Fun-yu, Winnie reported that upon further studies and reviews as regards the addition of the taxi stand lay-by and pedestrian walkway on Kwong Chun Street, due to safety considerations, the works for the proposed taxi stand lay-by would have to be carried out together with the works for the pedestrian walkway so as to comply with the department’s standard. As the construction works for the pedestrian walkway was affected by the facilities of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (“LCSD”), the TD had to wait until the LCSD had removed the facilities concerned and handed over the site to the department before continuing its arrangement with the departments concerned as regards the construction works for the taxi stand lay-by and pedestrian walkway. At present, the TD was waiting for the LCSD to deal with the land rights issues and the related arrangement.

110. Mr. Clement WOO, the Vice-chairman, said that he was aware of the land rights issues when inspecting the site for the captioned works not long ago. He understood that it would take time for the department to deal with it and thus urged the departments concerned to continue following up on the works in a proactive manner.

111. Ms. Winnie PUN said that the TD would remain in touch with the LCSD to learn about the latest progress on its handling of the land rights issues.

(4) Concerns over illegal parking in Tai Po District

112. Ms. Winnie PUN reported that the TD had consulted different departments as regards the improvement proposals for Po Heung Street earlier on. As the works site was in the vicinity of Po Heung Estate, the department had once again consulted the HD about the improvement - 35 - proposals. At the same time, the TD was co-ordinating the works commencement time with the HyD. If no objection was received in the end, the TD would issue works orders to the HyD which would arrange for the construction works. She continued that the proposed 24-hour no stopping restricted zone in the works concerned covered the road section where vehicles turned from Po Heung Street onto Po Heung Lane, and the section from the middle of Po Heung Lane to the entrance of Po Heung Estate.

113. Mr. TSUI Yik-fuk reported as follows:

(i) As regards the number of prosecutions made in the area of Tat Wan Road that Mr. LO Hiu-fung asked at the previous meeting, he indicated that the HKPF had issued a total of 405 illegal parking tickets at the above location from March to May 2018.

(ii) The Tai Po Police District continued to enforce traffic laws under the Selected Traffic Enforcement Priorities policy, and take appropriate law enforcement action against those who had breached the law, so as to ensure a smooth traffic and the safety of road users.

114. Mr. Francis YAM talked about his experience of driving to Po Heung Estate Car Park in the morning of the meeting, noting that both sides of the central divider on Po Heung Street had been fully parked with vehicles, and large works vehicles were lifting construction materials outside the youth hostel in construction. Also, as many vehicles that had to load and unload goods at the wet market travelled in and out of Po Heung Street, there was congestion on Po Heung Street and he hoped that the department could address the issue. Besides, he indicated that there were many illegally parked vehicles on the road section from On Po Lane to Fu Shin Estate and Ming Nga Court. As that was the entrance to the car parks of Fu Shin Estate and Ming Nga Court and many coaches often travelled in and out of there due to the primary school in the vicinity, he hoped that the HKPF could step up its enforcement effort to ease the illegal parking problem and traffic congestion.

115. Mr. LO Hiu-fung’s comments were as follows:

(i) He thanked the HKPF for providing the number of prosecutions made in the area of Tat Wan Road from March to May 2018. He hoped that the HKPF could further provide the number of prosecutions made from June to August 2018.

(ii) He opined that there was a strong correlation between illegal parking and insufficient parking spaces. The reason why he suggested turning the site under the flyover near Lai Chi Shan into parking spaces for large vehicles was exactly because many large vehicles were parked on Tat Wan Road and the queue had extended all the way to (an area not for the parking of large vehicles). Also, as the front and rear of these large vehicles would sometimes end up in the middle of the - 36 -

road, threatening the safety of other vehicles and pedestrians, he hoped that the TD and the HKPF would pay extra attention.

(iii) He said that many private vehicles or taxis were illegally parked at the parking spaces for large goods vehicles on Tat Wan Road, causing considerable danger. He hoped that the HKPF could address the issue.

116. Mr. CHEUNG Kwok-wai said that both sides of Po Heung Street would be fully parked with vehicles on weekends and holidays, and many vehicles would be waiting outside Po Heung Estate Car Park for parking spaces. He opined that if the HKPF did not take any law enforcement action, it would be difficult for the other vehicles passing by to go through. He hoped that the HKPF could pay attention to the situation and direct the traffic there.

117. Following up on the improvement measures for Po Heung Street, Mr. Patrick TANG indicated that the department had earlier proposed re-drawing the lines on both sides of Po Heung Street, and making use of the planter area next to the exit of Po Heung Estate Car Park to widen the bend of the roundabout. He enquired whether the TD was following up on the improvement measures concerned.

118. The Chairman added that the TD had provided the traffic improvement proposals and the relevant plans on Po Heung Street for the TTC earlier on, and the department was consulting the HD about the proposal as well. He hoped that the department could implement the proposal as soon as possible.

119. Mr. LAU Yung-wai was concerned about the illegal parking issue in Tai Po Old Market. He thanked the HKPF for steeping up its enforcement effort, but the situation was rather serious. He indicated that even though double yellow lines had been painted on Chui Yi Street, there were often several vehicles illegally parked there and he could only contact the HKPF for follow-up action. Besides, the illegal parking problem remained serious on Chui Lok Street, Kau Hui Chik Street and certain parts of Chui Wo Lane, especially on the day, before and after Mid-Autumn Festival, as well as Friday and Saturday evenings when many people dined there. He hoped that the HKPF would continue to follow up on and improve the situation.

120. Mr. CHEUNG Kwok-wai added that his request for the HKPF to step up its enforcement effort on Po Heung Street on weekends and holidays was a short-term measure. In the long run, he hoped that the departments concerned could come up with improvement measures.

121. Mr. AU Chun-wah hoped that the HKPF could pay extra attention to the illegal parking problem at Tai Po Centre during festivals and help direct the traffic wherever possible, so as to minimise how much traffic congestion would disturb members of the public.

- 37 -

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

(i) The TD consulted the TTC about the traffic improvement proposals for Po Heung Street in late 2017, and one of the proposals was widening Po Heung Street Roundabout to make it easier for vehicles to make a U-turn.

(ii) In general, the TD would consult the district and the departments concerned about the proposals. As regards the improvement proposals for Po Heung Street, the department had received comments from the departments concerned.

(iii) As the works site was in the vicinity of Po Heung Estate, due to operation needs, the TD had consulted the HD separately.

(iv) So far, the department had not heard from any department that there was any insurmountable problem in the afore-mentioned works, and the feasibility of the proposals remained unaffected as well.

(v) The TD would co-ordinate with the HyD on the construction schedule. If no objection was raised by other departments and no insurmountable problem was found, the TD would issue works orders and the HyD would arrange for the construction works.

123. Mr. TSUI Yik-fuk responded as follows:

(i) As regards the congestion outside the construction site of the youth hostel on Po Heung Street, the HKPF immediately deployed officers to direct the traffic there in the morning of the meeting and prosecuted four illegally parked vehicles. He indicated that it was one of the selected locations for prioritised enforcement and officers would be assigned to patrol there on an irregular basis every day.

(ii) The HKPF noted Members’ comments which included the illegal parking problem in the area of On Po Lane, and the strengthening of law enforcement effort in the area of Tai Po Centre, Chui Yi Street, Chui Lok Street, Tai Po Market and Tai Po Old Market during festivals.

(iii) The HKPF was aware that there were private vehicles and taxis parked at the parking spaces for large goods vehicles in the area of Tat Wan Road, and vehicles parked at the entrance of pedestrian crossings as well. He stressed that prosecution would be made according to the law.

(iv) The HKPF would deploy officers to patrol the school zones in the area of Ma Chung Road and Ma Wo Road at about 7:30 a.m. every day. At present, there were not that many illegally parked vehicles and prosecution would be made if there was any.

- 38 -

124. Mr. LO Hiu-fung said that it had been set out in the guidelines that American School Hong Kong (“ASHK”) on Ma Chung Road had to encourage its students to take public transport to school, and the use of private vehicles was prohibited. However, there were many vehicles sending students to school and picking them up. He had reflected the problem to the Education Bureau (“EDB”) and the HKPF earlier on, and hoped that the Government departments concerned could help remind the school to follow the guidelines. Otherwise, there would be congestion on Ma Chung Road.

125. Mr. TSUI Yik-fuk said that Ma Chung Road was a road with no restricted zone. At the beginning of the school year, there might be more parents sending the students to school and picking them up. However, the number of vehicles had reduced considerably a week later, and that might be the result of students taking school buses or other vehicles to school instead. The HKPF noted Mr. LO Hiu-fung’s comments and would continue to follow up on the matter.

126. The Chairman added that the ASHK’s sponsoring body had consulted the TPDC of the previous term. At that time, the TPDC was worried that there would be a lot of private vehicles heading for Ma Chung Road, resulting in congestion after the start of school year. Therefore, the sponsoring body indicated that it would send students to school by school buses and would not encourage parents to drive students to school. He opined that the reason why Mr. LO Hiu-fung raised this question was to urge the sponsoring body to keep its promise. He indicated that the representatives at the meeting might not be able to respond to the questions in this regard, and thus suggested Mr. LO Hiu-fung contact the sponsoring body after the meeting for further follow-up action.

127. Mr. LO Hiu-fung accepted the Chairman’s suggestion, but stressed that when the sponsoring body concerned consulted the TPDC of the previous term, the EDB representative had also stated firmly that it would supervise the sponsoring body and encourage it to arrange for school buses to send students to school and pick them up, so as to minimise the traffic impact on the residents nearby. However, as the current situation was different from what was promised at that time, he had no choice but to invite the EDB and the HKPF to contact the sponsoring body concerned for follow-up action. If, in the end, the school indicated that it could not control the way parents sent their children to school, he would ask the TD to paint double yellow lines on Ma Chung Road so that vehicles would not be allowed to pick up and drop off passengers.

(5) Improving the facilities of

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

(i) As regards the works of painting double white lines on part of the Kowloon bound Tolo Highway near , the TD had earlier issued works orders to the - 39 -

HyD and was waiting for the HyD’s contractor to provide the arrangement on the temporary traffic control measures.

(ii) As regards the congestion on the section of Tolo Highway connecting Tate’s Cairn Tunnel, the department would carry out on-site inspection and surveying work after the start of school year, so as to confirm whether it was necessary to paint double white lines to separate the carriageways and the exact location of the double white lines.

(6) Extending the lay-by at Tai Wo bus stop

129. Mr. SIU Wai-kwan said that the HyD was preparing the drawings for the temporary traffic arrangement, and would submit them to the departments concerned for approval later. The department would launch the works once the excavation permit had been granted.

130. Mr. CHOW Yuen-wai enquired about the time required for approval. He reiterated that as the works project had been proposed for a long time, he hoped that there was a more specific construction schedule.

131. Mr. SIU Wai-kwan indicated that he would ask the contractor to finish the drawings for the temporary traffic arrangement as soon as possible, and provide a specific construction schedule next.

132. Mr. Francis YAM said that since the shuttle buses of Mont Vert had begun operation, the traffic at the lay-by at Tai Wo bus stop had worsened. He indicated that as there were vehicles parked at the lay-by, shuttle buses could only pick up and drop off passengers on the lane outside. Also, as the vehicles behind could not go across the double white lines to overtake them, it had resulted in congestion and affected other road users. He hoped that the TD and the HyD could extend the lay-by concerned as soon as possible, and that the HKPF could enhance its law enforcement effort.

133. Mr. SIU Wai-kwan noted Members’ comments and would urge the contractor to complete the drawings for the temporary traffic arrangement plans quickly.

(7) Setting up a bus stop at Lam Kam Road Roundabout

134. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung reported that the TD had invited the HyD to assess the cost for the provision of a public transport interchange near Lam Kam Road Roundabout, so as to find out the category the works belonged to before taking follow-up action. - 40 -

135. Mr. Patrick TANG urged the TD to take forward the works as soon as possible.

136. Mr. Francis YAM said that the “Welcome to Tai Po” sign on Lam Kam Road was damaged by a traffic accident. He hoped that the TPDO could repair it as soon as possible.

137. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung noted Mr. Patrick TANG’s comments and would also continue to report on the progress to the TTC.

138. Ms. LEE Kai-ying, Iris indicated that the TPDO would replace the sign concerned according to the procedures as soon as possible.

XII. 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 66/2018)

139. Mr. SIU Wai-kwan asked Members to note the captioned paper.

140. Members did not have any comments or questions.

XIII. List of items and schedule concerning the additional provision of barrier-free access facilities in Tai Po District (TPDC Paper No. TT 67/2018)

141. Mr. SIU Wai-kwan asked Members to note the captioned paper.

142. Mr. AU Chun-wah said that some of the lifts in the district were damaged during the typhoons last year. Staff from the HyD had pointed out that there would not be any significant impact on the whole if only the lift shaft was flooded. However, if the lift was flooded, its components might be damaged. As there was a typhoon approaching Hong Kong, he hoped that the HyD could move the lifts near rivers and in the low-lying area up to the ground level as soon as possible, so as to prevent the lifts from being damaged.

143. Mr. YAM Man-chuen said that among the two proposed lifts on the pedestrian footbridge (Structure No. NF191) connecting Tai Yuen Estate and Fu Heng Estate, the works for the one near Tai Yuen Estate had been completed. He hoped that the department could speed up the works progress of the other lift.

- 41 -

144. Mr. Clement WOO, the Vice-chairman’s comments were as follows:

(i) He agreed with Mr. AU Chun-wah’s earlier comments. Besides, he had written to the departments concerned to express his concerns about the safety of lifts in heavy rain. There might not be torrential rain when Standby Signal No.1 or Strong Wind Signal No.3 was hoisted, and members of the public could still use the lifts safely. However, if heavy rain and flooding had affected the lifts’ operation and thus trapped members of the public inside, that would be extremely dangerous. He hoped that the HyD and the departments concerned would consider putting up signs, drawing up guidelines or criteria on suspending lift operation, etc., so as to ensure the safety of members of the public when using the lifts.

(ii) Originally, Lift No.1 in Structure No. NF156 was expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2018. However, it had not been opened to the public yet. He enquired about the works progress of the lift concerned.

(iii) In the past, the first batch of lifts equipped with air-conditioning often broke down, as did the second batch of lifts without air-conditioning. For instance, the lift at Structure No. NS75 broke down probably due to the damage sustained and had caused inconvenience to the residents. He hoped that the department could make improvement in this regard.

145. Mr. WU Cheuk-him said that some residents had told him that the fan of the lift at Structure No. NF191 was quite noisy. He hoped that when the staff of the department carried out regular inspection, they could see if there were any operational issues. Besides, temporary water-filled crowd control barriers had been placed at the other lift at Structure No. NF191. Some of the damaged barriers had encouraged the growth of mosquitoes while some were not fully filled with water. As there was a typhoon approaching Hong Kong, he hoped that the HyD would pay attention to the afore-mentioned matters.

146. Mr. Ken YU said that he had suggested drawing queuing instruction at the lift entrance many times in the past, so as to make it easier for members of the public to use the lifts. However, he did not see any lift adopting such a practice.

147. Mr. SIU Wai-kwan responded as follows:

(i) He thanked Members for their suggestions. Drawing from the experience when typhoon hit Hong Kong in the past, the HyD would make appropriate arrangements, such as suspending the operation of lifts at the riverside and in the low-lying areas from 8 p.m. tomorrow, and would make further announcement on when services would resume after the typhoon had left.

(ii) He noted the comments of Mr. WU Cheuk-him and Mr. Ken YU, and would forward - 42 -

the comments to the relevant staff for follow-up actions.

(iii) He would report on the latest works progress of Lift No. 1 at Structure No. NF156 to Mr. Clement WOO, the Vice-chairman, after the meeting.

(iv) He would reflect to the relevant staff so as to speed up the progress of the unfinished lift works at Structure No. NF191.

(Post-meeting note: The HyD expected that the works for Lift No.1 at Structure No. NF191 would be completed by the end of 2018.)

148. Mr. LAU Yung-wai thanked the HyD staff for their proactive responses. In addition, the HyD had mentioned that the lifts were equipped with flooding sensors that could send the lifts up to the ground level automatically. He enquired about the operation mode of the device concerned and why the lifts had to be sent up to the ground level manually on this occasion.

149. Mr. SIU Wai-kwan said that he would enquire the person in charge and reply Mr. LAU Yung-wai later.

150. Mr. Ken YU indicated that he had repeatedly suggested drawing queuing instruction at the lift entrance. He hoped that the HyD could take follow-up action in a proactive manner and respond to it at the next meeting.

XIV. Reports of working groups

(1) Working Group on Provision of Public Bus and Minibus Services

151. On behalf of Ms. WONG Pik-kiu, Chairman of the Working Group, the Secretary reported as follows:

(i) The Working Group convened its sixth meeting in 2018 on 30 August 2018 to continue the discussion on matters relating to the public bus and minibus services in Tai Po District.

(ii) Regarding public bus service, the Working Group followed up on the service improvement proposals for routes 73B and 271 with the TD and bus companies. Besides, some Members requested the TD and bus companies turn route NR918 into a regular route, arrange for route A47X to travel past the area of Chong San Road, allocate the resources of route 64K to improve the public bus service in Lam Tsuen, and operate additional overnight bus services between Tai Po and Hong Kong Island. - 43 -

(iii) The Working Group endorsed commissioning a consultancy to carry out a study relating to the improvement of public bus and minibus services, and asked the TTC to consider endorsing the funding application of the Working Group.

(iv) The Working Group would continue to follow up on the situation of the afore-mentioned bus routes, and report on the actual changes to the TTC if there was any.

(2) Working Group on Improvements to Major Roads in Rural Areas

152. Mr. Patrick TANG, Chairman of the Working Group, reported that the captioned Working Group convened its second meeting in 2018 on 4 September 2018 to follow up on all the improvement works on Lam Kam Road, Ting Kok Road and Sai Sha Road. The Working Group would continue to follow up on the progress of each works project and the Secretariat would inform Members to attend the next meeting once the date had been confirmed.

(3) Working Group on Road Safety Campaign and Cycling Network Development

153. Mr. Clement WOO, Chairman of the Working Group, reported that the Working Group convened its second meeting in 2018 on 14 August 2018 to continue following up on the activities it organised this year. The TD introduced the Code of Practice for Automated Dockless Bicycle Rental Services (“Code of Practice”), which relied on the self-discipline of shared bicycle industry, to Members at the meeting. The Code of Practice was implemented in Tai Po District on a pilot basis from June to August, and it was hoped that the departments concerned could make a concerted effort in monitoring so as to make the operators take up the responsibility and operate their business in a self-disciplined and sustainable manner. The Working Group had asked the TD to attend the next meeting to report on the implementation of the Code of Practice, so as to evaluate its effectiveness.

(4) Working Group on Kwong Fuk Vehicular Bridge

154. On behalf of Mr. LI Kwok-ying, Chairman of the Working Group, the Secretary reported that the Working Group convened its first meeting in 2018 on 4 September 2018. At the meeting, the HyD indicated that it could finish the preliminary feasibility study on Kwong Fuk Vehicular Bridge (“Vehicular Bridge”) by the end of 2018, and would launch the funding application procedures afterwards. After securing the funding, the department would commission a consultancy to work on the preliminary design of the Vehicular Bridge and consult Members about the design concerned. The Working Group expected that the department could report on the work - 44 -

progress on a regular basis and report on the feasibility study of the Vehicular Bridge to the Working Group upon its completion.

155. The Chairman said that at the TPDC meeting on 6 September 2018, Mr. CHENG Chun-ping asked the HyD to follow up on the matters relating to the Vehicular Bridge in a proactive manner. He asked the representatives of the departments concerned to note of the afore-mentioned comment.

XV. Applications for DC funds (TPDC Paper No. TT 68/2018)

156. The Chairman invited Members to declare their interests regarding the DC Funds application submitted to the TTC for vetting on this occasion as necessary. Pursuant to Orders 48(9) and 48(10) of the TPDC Standing Orders (“Standing Orders”), a Member had to declare interests if he found that he had direct personal interests, pecuniary interests or other interests in an application for DC Funds under consideration, or had links with the benefitted party or the potential benefitted party. As the activity concerned was led by the WGPPB, members of the Working Group did not have to declare interest as regards this identity. However, Members had to declare other interests relating to the activity, if any.

157. No Members declared any interests at the meeting.

158. The Chairman said that if Members were satisfied that the DC Funds application set out in the captioned paper fell within the ambit of DC Funds and the activity could benefit those who lived, worked or went to schools in the district, they could consider endorsing the application concerned.

159. The TTC resolved to allocate $100,000 to the WGPPB for carrying out the study on the improvement to the public transport services in Tai Po District.

XVI. Any other business

(1) Demands to increase the frequency of routes 99 and 299X and to improve the arrangements for route 289R (TPDC Paper No. TT 69/2018)

160. On behalf of Mr. Rex LI, Mr. Patrick TANG introduced the paper.

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161. Ms. Flora MA noted Mr. Rex LI’s comments. She indicated that the existing service level of routes 99 and 299X could more or less cater for the passengers’ demand. As for route 289R, it was a newly operated route mainly for sending members of the public from Wong Shek Pier to Sha Tin during festivals. She knew that Tai Ping Ching Chiu activities would be organised in Tap Mun in March 2019. As such, she would urge the bus company to start operating the service earlier and closely monitor whether the frequency could meet the demand.

162. The Chairman forwarded the agenda item to the WGPPB for follow-up actions.

(2) Demands to increase the frequency of route 71K

163. Mr. Eric TAM introduced Annex 1.

164. Ms. Flora MA noted Mr. Eric TAM’s concerns. In addition, Mr. Ken YU had earlier commented on the service of route 71K as well. She indicated that the passenger volume of route 71K was approximately 40% to 60% of its capacity. As such, the existing service level could more or less cater for the passengers’ demand. The TD would urge KMB to pay extra attention to the service of route 71K and take note of its lost trips.

165. The Chairman forwarded the agenda item to the WGPPB for follow-up actions.

(3) Demands the Transport Department to refuse the fare increase applications of Kowloon Motor Bus Company Limited and Long Win Bus Company Limited

166. The Chairman said that the Secretariat had received a total of four papers opposing the fare increase applications of KMB and Long Win Bus Company Limited (“Long Win”) (see Annex 2). He asked the relevant Members (i.e., the signatories) to introduce the papers.

167. Mr. AU Chun-wah, Mr. Eric TAM, Mr. LO Hiu-fung and Mr. Ken YU introduced the papers one by one. In addition, Mr. AU Chun-wah requested to move an impromptu motion opposing the fare increase applications of KMB and Long Win.

168. Mr. WONG Tsz-kin responded as follows:

(i) KMB and Long Win proposed fare adjustment mainly in the hope of alleviating the operational pressure brought by the sustained increase in different operational cost, among which the expenditure on fuel and salary accounted for 70% and 60% of the overall operational cost of KMB and Long Win respectively. - 46 -

(ii) In the past three years, international oil price had increased by 26% and salary had also increased by as much as 20% on an accumulative basis. In addition, KMB and Long Win had not just enhanced employee benefits, but also expanded the railway network and dealt with the ever-worsening traffic congestion problem. All these had made their future business environment full of challenges.

(iii) In 2015, KMB allocated resources to replace over 1 500 buses. In future, it would also continue to allocate resources to recruit more bus drivers and other frontline staff, introduce advanced technology to enhance bus safety, improve the bus stop facilities and enhance the application of information technology, etc.

(iv) With an ever-increasing operational cost, KMB and Long Win hoped to maintain their financial stability though this fare adjustment, so as to continue to provide efficient and suitable bus services for members of the public.

169. Ms. Flora MA noted Members’ comments. She indicated that the TD would examine the fare increase applications of KMB and Long Win, hoping that KMB would provide more fare concession for members of the public if its financial condition permitted.

170. The Chairman indicated that as every Member was against the fare increase applications of KMB and Long Win, he believed that the TD had noted Members’ comments. In addition, as the papers had clearly set out Members’ demand, he opined that it was not necessary to deal with the impromptu motion moved by Mr. AU Chun-wah.

171. Mr. AU Chun-wah enquired the Chairman about his rationale for not dealing with the impromptu motion concerned.

172. The Chairman believed that as all Members present unanimously opposed the fare increase applications of KMB and Long Win, it was not necessary to deal with the motion concerned.

173. Mr. AU Chun-wah opined that the TTC could vote on the impromptu motion concerned to express its dissatisfaction to the TD and the bus companies concerned in a serious and clear manner.

174. The Chairman opined that as this agenda item had been incorporated into Any Other Business (“AOB”) and Members had also fully expressed their views, it was a serious discussion as there were written and audio records. Also, as Members had already reached a consensus in opposing the fare increase applications of KMB and Long Win, he found it not necessary to deal with the motion concerned.

175. Mr. Francis YAM indicated that had they known about the fare increase applications of KMB and Long Win before the deadline for paper submission to the TTC, they would have submitted the - 47 - paper before the deadline according to the Standing Orders. However, as the fare increase application was put forward in a hurried manner, they could not submit the paper before the deadline. Besides, compared with allowing every Member who had co-signed the papers to express their views, he opined that it would be more efficient to deal with the motion directly via voting.

176. The Chairman indicated that some Members had proposed amendments to the motion in their papers as well. Considering the rather complicated procedures for dealing with a motion, he opined that there was no need to move a motion in the AOB if a consensus had been reached among Members.

177. Mr. YAM Man-chuen had reservation about the notion of “not necessary to move a motion if a consensus had been reached”. He opined that moving a motion was a direct way to express their views to the departments concerned or certain targets in a serious manner, so as to achieve the goal of resolving a problem. Even though moving a motion might not be very useful, he opined that the DC should not give up its rights to express opinion. Besides, he opined that while the views expressed by each Member might be similar, they were not totally the same. Therefore, Members should be allowed to express their views. He knew that other Members had proposed amendments to the motion. However, he opined that the key did not lie in which motion was approved. What was most important was putting pressure on the government departments and achieving the goal of opposing the fare increase.

178. Mr. Patrick TANG indicated that the signatories of the letters included Members present at the meeting, and the letters also had set out all the opposing views. As regards Members unanimously opposing the fare increase applications of KMB and Long Win, he opined that the bus companies should deal with the matter carefully. He hoped that the Chairman could consolidate Members’ comments and make a conclusion, and asked the bus companies to respond to Members’ opposing views in writing or at the next meeting.

179. The Chairman suggested writing to the TD and KMB in the name of the TTC to express Members’ opinions.

180. Mr. Ken YU supported writing to KMB to oppose the fare increase application and request for service improvement.

181. Mr. CHOW Yuen-wai pointed out that North District Council had also endorsed a similar motion earlier on. However, if the TTC unanimously agreed to adopt the Chairman’s suggestion, he would render his support as well.

182. Mr. MUI Siu-fung supported writing to the Executive Council (“ExCo”), the TD and the KMB in the name of the TTC to express their opposing views. - 48 -

183. Mr. MAN Nim-chi said that if the TTC unanimously agreed to adopt the Chairman’s suggestion, he opined that writing to express their opinion was feasible as well.

184. Mr. AU Chun-wah’s comments were as follows:

(i) He knew that the impromptu motions moved by Members had to be approved by the Chairman. However, he opined that impromptu motions were inevitably moved in an unforeseeable situation. For example, Members could move an impromptu motion instantaneously if they had identified any problem during a meeting, so that the TTC could vote on it and express their views. Such a situation could not be foreseen 10 clear working days prior to the meeting. He indicated that in the past, Members had had different views from the Chairman as regards impromptu motions, and he hoped that the Secretariat could provide a response.

(ii) The paper he submitted was supposed to be placed on the table for Members’ reference on the day of the meeting. As such, he did not understand why Members of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (“DAB”) were able to submit the paper on the day of the meeting and propose amendments to his motion as well. He would like to know why such a situation took place. If no reasonable explanation could be provided, he suspected that someone had notified Members of the DAB beforehand to allow them to note the paper and put forward amendments in advance.

(iii) He criticised Members of the DAB as petty for merely deleting the name “Transport Department” from his motion for the sake of amending it. He explained that as the TD had to advise the Chief Executive (“CE”) and the ExCo on whether to accept the fare increase applications of KMB and Long Win according to the procedures, he drafted the motion concerned in accordance with the same procedures.

185. The Secretary said that pursuant to Order 17 of the Standing Orders, unless otherwise approved by the Chairman, a Member had to inform the Secretary 10 clear working days prior to the meeting for moving any motions. He continued that the Secretariat had forwarded the Member’s motion to the Chairman for reference upon receiving the motion, and for him to decide whether to approve it.

186. The Chairman indicated that according to the established procedures, he would exercise his discretion to incorporate the papers submitted by Members less than 10 clear working days prior to the meeting into the AOB, so as to allow Members to express their views, and then forward the issues concerned to the suitable working group for further follow-up action after the departments had responded. He pointed out that most of the Members had expressed their opposing views to the fare increase applications of KMB and Long Win, and opined that it was a serious matter for - 49 - the TTC to write to the TD and KMB to express its views.

187. Mr. Patrick TANG indicated that the four papers submitted by Members had included all the opposing views, while the signatories had also introduced the papers and expressed their opinions. He suggested the bus companies study these opinions after the meeting and reply at the next WGPPB meeting.

188. Mr. Francis YAM’s comments and questions were as follows:

(i) He opined that whether to discuss the matter at the WGPPB was not important. The key was that the TTC had to take a clear stance as regards the fare increase applications of KMB and Long Win.

(ii) As regards the question raised by Mr. AU Chun-wah earlier on, he opined that the Secretariat had not responded clearly and the Chairman had not responded to it at all. He enquired whether the Secretariat would inform the Chairman or circulate the paper to all Members when a Member moved a motion or impromptu motion via email or facsimile. He also enquired why the content of the impromptu motion was leaked so that other Members were able to propose amendments to the impromptu motion concerned in advance.

(iii) If the Chairman had informed other Members of the content of the impromptu motion that allowed them to propose amendments to the impromptu motion, the Chairman should deal with the impromptu motion concerned and the amendment at the meeting to complete the procedures concerned. He hoped that the Chairman or the Secretariat could make a response.

189. Mr. LEE Yu-sau, Terence responded as follows:

(i) As the agenda of the DC / committees required the approval of the Chairmen of the DC / committees, according to the established practice, the Secretariat would immediately inform the Chairman of the DC / committee concerned upon receiving an impromptu motion, so that the Chairman could decide whether to incorporate the motion into the meeting’s agenda, and whether to deal with the impromptu motions moved by Members, etc.

(ii) As regards the captioned motion, upon receiving Member’s paper the night before the meeting (i.e., the night of 13 September 2018), the Secretariat had immediately forwarded the paper to the TTC Chairman for reference and consulted him on the ways to deal with the motion.

(iii) As to whether an impromptu motion submitted less than 10 clear working days prior to the meeting would be put to vote at the meeting, different approaches had been - 50 -

taken in previous meetings and, more likely than not, a decision would be made by the Chairman.

190. Mr. YAM Man-chuen’s comments were as follows:

(i) KMB had just put forward the fare increase application which had not been approved by the Government at the moment. Therefore, he opined that it was the right time for the TTC to vote on the matter. Otherwise, it would be too late to have further discussion at the next TTC or WGPPB meeting.

(ii) He opined that regardless of whether the Government accepted the TTC’s views, the TTC had to demand the Government to turn down the fare increase applications concerned before it had come up with a decision. As such, there was an urgency to express its views at this meeting.

(iii) While the general direction of the four papers was against the fare increase applications of KMB and Long Win, their wordings and tones were not totally the same. Even if the motion would not be dealt with, he opined that the TTC should reach a consensus first, before writing to the TD or the CE to express its views.

191. Mr. CHOW Yuen-wai opined that neither the Chairman nor the Secretariat had responded directly to the questions raised by Mr. AU Chun-wah and Mr. Francis YAM. He respected Members of different parties in moving motions or impromptu motions. However, in the past three years, Members generally moved impromptu motions and proposed amendments at the meeting, and rarely proposed any amendments in the papers submitted to the TTC in advance. He indicated that the amendment was highly similar to the original motion, making it hard for him to believe that other Members were not amending the original motion moved by Mr. AU Chun-wah. He would like to know why the afore-mentioned situation would take place, such as whether there was any procedural problem.

192. Mr. MAN Nim-chi opined that neither the Chairman nor the Secretariat had responded to the question raised by Mr. AU Chun-wah yet. He added that he and other Members submitted the paper and moved the motion on 12 September. On 13 September, however, Members of another party managed to move put forward an amendment, the content of which was highly similar to their motion. Therefore, he would like to know whether there was any problem in message processing that had resulted in such a situation. He opined that if the problem was not resolved properly, they would be in a passive role when moving a motion in future. In other words, if they moved a motion too early, the content would be known to Members of other parties. If it was too late, it would not be approved by the Chairman. It was unfair to them.

193. Mr. Clement WOO, the Vice-chairman, agreed that the procedures for proceeding motions and amendments were rather complicated. As such, he suggested the Secretariat consolidate - 51 -

Members’ views, draft a letter in the name of the TTC for Members’ reference, and issue the letter to the TD and the KMB to express the TTC’s views.

194. Mr. LAU Yung-wai’s comments were as follows:

(i) He did not oppose the Chairman’s writing to the departments and organisations concerned to express Members’ opinions in the way that they had agreed.

(ii) He opined it was DC Members’ rights to move a motion. The Chairman should allow Members who had moved a motion to continue doing so, while those who did not want to do so were not required to as regards the motion concerned and there was no conflict at all. He opined that even if the TTC vetoed the motion moved by Mr. AU Chun-wah in the end, every Member would have been able to express his views clearly, thus allowing the government departments concerned to take follow-up actions.

(iii) He stressed that the paper submitted by the DAB was highly similar to the one they had submitted, and the content and wording of the amendment were nearly identical to theirs (even colloquial expressions such as “fleecing” were the same). He suspected plagiarism for which he expressed his regrets.

195. The Chairman added that he had received a total of four papers from Members prior to the discussion of this agenda item. However, they were received at different times and not all of them were received before the meeting (i.e., before 2:30 p.m.). If Members found his suggestion feasible, he believed that writing to the ExCo, the TD and the KMB opposing the fare increase applications of KMB and Long Win was serious enough to express the TTC’s stance. However, if Members found it necessary to deal with the motion, he would hand it over to the TTC for making a collective decision.

196. Mr. Clement WOO, the Vice-chairman, indicated that he did not oppose dealing with the motion. However, as it had been set out in the Standing Orders that all motions had to be put forward to the Secretary 10 clear working days prior to the meeting, the Chairman would have difficulties exercising his discretion if different Members moved impromptu motions at every meeting. In light of the above, he opined that it would be more advisable to write to express the views to the departments and organisations concerned in the name of the TTC.

197. Mr. YAM Man-chuen clarified that he did not agree with issuing only a letter in the name of the TTC. What he meant was that the TTC should reach a consensus as regards the letter’s content and confirm it by vote, before writing to the ExCo and the CE, etc., in the name of the TTC.

198. Mr. AU Chun-wah’s comments were as follows: - 52 -

(i) He understood that the Chairman could exercise his discretion to decide whether to deal with a motion. However, as there were different chairmen for different committees, there might be different ways in dealing with them.

(ii) At the beginning of the meeting, the papers submitted by him and the DAB were placed on the meeting table at the same time. It meant that the Secretariat had received the papers and sought the Chairman’s advice prior to the meeting and obtained the Chairman’s approval before distributing the papers. He believed that the Secretariat would not distribute the papers to certain Members only. However, as the two papers were highly similar, it was possible that the Chairman had forwarded the paper he had submitted to other Members before the meeting. He would like the Chairman respond.

(iii) He opined that if a Member had moved an impromptu motion or motion but only some of the Members could note the content in advance, it would be extremely unfair to those who could not as they would not be able to consider whether to put forward any amendment ahead of time.

199. As regards Mr. AU Chun-wah’s claim that all papers placed on the meeting table had been approved by the Chairman, the Chairman said that it was not the case. He continued that very often, Members would submit papers to the Secretariat and asked for distributing papers during the meeting. As he was chairing the meeting, he might not have enough time to read the entire paper. Out of respect, however, the Secretariat might make photocopies of and distribute the papers to Members present for reference, and he would not deny such requests in general.

200. Mr. AU Chun-wah said that upon receiving the papers submitted by Members, the Secretariat would have to obtain the Chairman’s approval before distributing the papers to other Members for reference. He asked whether that was the correct procedure.

201. Mr. Terence LEE responded that the procedure mentioned by Mr. AU Chun-wah was correct.

202. Mr. AU Chun-wah said that if the procedure was correct, it meant that the Secretariat had received the paper submitted by the DAB and obtained the Chairman’s approval prior to the meeting, before distributing it at the beginning of the meeting. He wondered why Members of the DAB knew the content of his paper prior to the meeting, submitted another highly similar paper to the Secretariat and even put forward an amendment. He enquired whether the Chairman had distributed his paper to certain Members selectively, and asked the Chairman or the Secretariat to respond.

203. The Chairman said that he did not distribute the paper to certain Members selectively.

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204. Mr. AU Chun-wah stressed that in theory, apart from him and other signatories, only the Chairman (or even the Vice-chairman) and the Secretariat were able to read the paper he had submitted, and the paper could be incorporated into the AOB at this meeting only after obtaining the Chairman’s approval. As such, he noted that other Members were not supposed to have read the paper he had submitted, and he did not understand why they were able to submit the paper and even put forward an amendment before the meeting. He believed that either the Chairman or the Secretariat had disclosed the content of the paper to other Members, he enquired whether it was the case.

205. Mr. Clement WOO, the Vice-chairman, said that meeting minutes and other papers were ready before the meeting started and placed in the conference room beforehand. During the meeting, Members would also receive papers submitted by other Members. As a matter of fact, it was not an uncommon situation.

206. Mr. Ken YU indicated that the TTC was not supposed to carry out an investigation. It should focus on dealing with public matters and securing more services for members of the public rather than wasting time on arguing. He hoped that the Chairman could make a ruling as soon as possible and deal with the rules of procedure later.

207. Mr. MAN Nim-chi opined that it was a rather serious incident and it was easy for people to believe that there might be some special connection among the Chairman, certain parties and the Secretariat. Also, as the Chairman was one the signatories of one of the papers, he was worried that the Chairman would allow himself to move an impromptu motion in the event of controversial issues in future, thus affecting the operation of the DC. Besides, he enquired again why Members could put forward an amendment, prior to the meeting, to the impromptu motion they submitted on 12 September 2018.

208. Ms. Olive CHAN opined that it was a procedural issue that warranted a clear explanation. Besides, she opined that the two papers were highly similar. If it had happened in an examination, the candidate would have been disqualified.

209. Mr. LAU Yung-wai indicated that suspected plagiarism was a serious accusation and opined that the signatories of the paper concerned should be given time to make an explanation. He reiterated that in the absence of a motion, no amendment could be put forward. Meanwhile, the amendment proposed by other Members was highly similar to their motion, except that the wording “to the Transport Department” had been deleted. It was hard to believe that no plagiarism was involved. Therefore, he opined that the Members concerned had to make an explanation.

210. Mr. Eric TAM’s comments were as follows:

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(i) As all Members clearly opposed the fare increase applications of KMB and Long Win, it was inevitable that the wordings of the papers were similar.

(ii) He knew that the Members concerned had moved a motion and put forward an amendment to the motion afterwards. He stressed that the papers submitted by Members were not confidential where the content was open to the public. As such, whether they were similar did not matter. What was important was that they could serve to oppose the fare increase applications of KMB and Long Win.

211. Mr. KWAN Wing-yip believed that the Chairman was a man of integrity who would not instruct Members of a certain party to copy the motion paper of another party. However, he indicated that as the paper was submitted to the Secretariat via facsimile, he suspected whether the staff of the Secretariat had informed certain Members after receiving the paper, or whether hackers had hacked into the system that resulted in the leakage of information. As such, he suggested Mr. AU Chun-wah and the DC Secretary report the incident to the police after the meeting. In addition, he said that the explanation provided by Mr. Eric TAM earlier was not convincing. He pointed out that there were occasions that the papers were similar in content. However, it was the very first time that they were so similar to each other that it was hardly convincing to claim that no plagiarism was involved. He hoped that the persons involved could come forward and admitted to plagiarism.

212. Mr. Patrick TANG indicated that he still had other businesses to deal with. As regards plagiarism, as not all Members were interested in the discussion, he suggested the Chairman deal with the agenda item concerning bus fare increase applications first.

213. The Chairman decided to write to the departments and organisations concerned in the name of the TTC to reflect Members’ comments and oppose the fare increase applications of KMB and Long Win. He indicated that as all Members were against the fare increase applications of KMB and Long Win, the approach he proposed did not go against Members’ will.

(Post-meeting note: The TTC issued the letter on 31 October 2018.)

214. Mr. AU Chun-wah respected the Chairman’s decision. He asked the Secretariat when it received the papers from the DAB and when it placed the papers on the meeting table.

215. The Secretary said that as the Secretariat staff was busy with the preparation work prior to the meeting, he could not confirm the exact time when the papers were received, and hoped that Members would understand. However, the Secretariat received the papers before the meeting started, and then deployed its staff to make photocopies of and distribute them.

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(4) Matters relating to the terminus relocation of route 271 to West Kowloon Station

216. Mr. Francis YAM introduced Annex 3.

217. Ms. Flora MA responded as follows:

(i) The TD had introduced and explained the terminus relocation arrangement of route 271 to Members at the meetings in late 2017 and onwards. During the road test on 21 August 2018, the department also explained the procedures and arrangement as regards the terminus relocation to Members, and KMB would also assign two more double-decker buses to maintain the existing service level.

(ii) Traffic condition of Canton Road was not suitable for setting up a bus terminus. Relocating the terminus of route 271 to West Kowloon Station nearby would help the bus company allocate resources, stabilise the bus frequency and provide suitable rest facilities for the drivers.

(iii) After relocating the terminus to West Kowloon Station, the route of route 271 would only be extended, and the terminus originally on Canton Road would become an en-route stop. As such, the impact on passengers would be minimal.

(iv) On 27 August 2018, the department issued a paper to the TTC Members to once again explain the terminus relocation of route 271 and its relevant arrangements, and reiterated that the overall service level of the route concerned would remain unchanged. The department would also closely monitor the situation after the relocation, and would adjust the bus service with KMB where necessary.

218. The Chairman said that he attended the road test for route 271 and agreed that the journey time would increase by 10 to 15 minutes after relocation. Considering the condition of Canton Road and the resting environment of the drivers, he opined that the terminus of route 271 would have to be relocated to West Kowloon Station in the long run. He continued that the TD had consulted the TTC about the matter concerned. Although the TTC had put forward a number of comments, the TD would still have to make a decision after gathering the views. As a result, it had proposed a timetable for relocation. He indicated that Members had fully expressed their views and the TD had also responded to them. Therefore, he found it unnecessary to move a motion, and consulted Members in this regard.

219. Mr. Francis YAM indicated that according to the TD’s paper, the terminus of route 271 would be relocated to West Kowloon Station on 16 September. The reason why he moved an impromptu motion was to prevent the department from implementing the relocation arrangement in a hurried manner. As such, it was an absolutely urgent matter. He explained that in view of the concerns expressed by many members of the public about the terminus relocation of route 271, and the ever-increasing traffic in the area of the Express Rail Link West Kowloon Station, the - 56 - terminus relocation would likely affect the only bus service between Tai Po and South Kowloon. Therefore, he opined that the department should not implement the initiative concerned in a hurried manner. If the TTC opined that it was not necessary to put the impromptu motion he moved to vote, so as to allow the TD to implement the relocation initiative, everyone would have to bear the responsibility if members of the public complained about bus service and frequency being affected in future.

220. Mr. MAN Nim-chi agreed with Mr. Francis YAM’s comments. Besides, he opined that putting the motion to vote directly was more efficient than discussing whether to deal with the motion.

221. Mr. AU Chun-wah opined that this agenda item was different from the previous one (i.e., demanding the TD to turn down the fare increase applications of KMB and Long Win). As not every Member had expressed his views as regards the terminus relocation of route 271, he had no idea if there was a consensus among the Members present. On the other hand, to defend the dignity of the DC and request the government departments to respect the DC’s views, he opined that they had to express their views to the government departments in a serious and formal manner, requesting them to obtaining the approval of or informing the DC before making any decision. He pointed out that it was not the first time the TD decided to implement changes to bus services on its own. Members knew about the decision to relocate the terminus of route 271 only after being informed by members of the public. He found the situation unacceptable.

222. Mr. WU Cheuk-him agreed with Members’ comments above and was shocked that he only learnt about the terminus relocation of route 271 from the internet. Besides, at a WGPPB meeting earlier on, he doubted whether adding two double-decker buses by the KMB could maintain the current service level. However, no reply had been received as of today. Therefore, he supported the TTC to issue a reprimand.

223. The Chairman suggested writing to the TD in the name of the TTC to reprimand the department for not respecting the TTC’s views.

224. Mr. AU Chun-wah reiterated that as not every Member had expressed his views, he could not confirm that a consensus had been reached in the TTC. He found it necessary to sort out the situation to prevent any Member from claiming that he had different views from the TTC after the letter had been issued.

225. Mr. Francis YAM indicated that some Members were absent while those present might not be able to decide on their behalf whether to issue the letter in the name of the TTC. On the contrary, he pointed out that voting could reflect the views of the Members present. He hoped that the Chairman could seriously consider his suggestion.

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226. Mr. Clement WOO, the Vice-chairman, indicated that some members had left the meeting due to various reasons as they did not know that motions had been moved. It was why the Standing Orders had stipulated that motions had to be submitted 10 clear working days prior to the meeting.

227. Mr. CHOW Yuen-wai said that if the TD knew that the TTC could not put an impromptu motion to vote, from then on the department could raise an issue less than 10 clear working days prior to the meeting without giving any notice in advance. He pointed out that voting at this meeting could oppose the terminus relocation before its implementation. If the TD went ahead and implemented the initiative while ignoring the opposing views of the TPDC, the department’s decision would be against everyone’s wishes. He indicated that the TD did not issue the notice concerning the terminus relocation of route 271 until 12 September. As such, there was no way for Members to move a motion 10 clear working days prior to the meeting. He opined that if the motion was put to vote at the TTC meeting in November, the initiative would have been in place for two months and it would be meaningless for Members to voice opposing views.

228. Mr. MUI Siu-fung enquired KMB about the measures to ensure that the service level of route 271 would not be affected by the relocation. If there was no suitable solution, he would support issuing a reprimand as well.

229. Mr. LAU Yung-wai disagreed with the earlier comments of Mr. Clement WOO, the Vice-chairman. He pointed out that the TD did not inform Members of the terminus relocation of route 271 until around 6 p.m. on 12 September, and the arrangement would be implemented on 16 September. He indicated that Members had reacted to the incident promptly, and requested to move an impromptu motion to reprimand the TD at this meeting as well. He opined that it was an urgent matter and the Chairman had to deal with this impromptu motion.

230. Mr. MAN Nim-chi said that the work culture of government departments had always been non-flexible and bureaucratic. He hoped that the departmental representatives present would not follow the TD’s mode of operation by trying to put itself over the DC. He ridiculed the TD by saying that there was no need to inform Members if it had to implement the initiatives in a hurried manner every single time, and that it should simply go ahead and change the bus service on its own and the DC would not follow up on the matter until the changes had been found out by members of the public.

231. Mr. YAM Man-chuen said that when the TTC was dealing with route A47X earlier on, there was a prolonged discussion as well as numerous amendments by the TD and the bus companies before the final proposal was drawn up. However, it was indeed an extremely hurried decision to relocate the terminus of route 271, and it was taken forward without securing the DC’s consent. He suspected that it was a “non-negotiable task” assigned to the department by the higher level to ease the traffic in the area of Canton Road and facilitate the smooth travel of coaches from West - 58 -

Kowloon Station to the area of Yau Tsim Mong. On the other hand, he opined that the ways to improve the rest facilities for drivers and the arrangement for the stops on Canton Road could be discussed in detail. However, the department decided to relocate the terminus before any conclusion had been made was why they proposed issuing a reprimand to the TD.

232. The Chairman decided to accept the motion moved by Mr. Francis YAM. The mover, Mr. Francis YAM, read the motion as follows:

“Reprimanding the Transport Department for not respecting the District Council’s views by forcing its way to relocate the terminus of route 271 to West Kowloon Bus Terminus.”

The motion was seconded by Mr. MAN Nim-chi.

233. Members did not propose any amendments. Members agreed to vote by open ballot.

234. The Chairman guided the TTC to vote on the motion moved by Mr. Francis YAM and the result was as follows:

For: 15 votes Mr. AU Chun-wah Mr. CHOW Yuen-wai Mr. KWAN Wing-yip Mr. LAU Yung-wai Mr. LO Hiu-fung Mr. Clement WOO Mr. Francis YAM Mr. YAM Man-chuen Mr. AU Chun-ho Ms. Olive CHAN Mr. LAU Chung-hon Mr. MAN Nim-chi Mr. MUI Siu-fung Mr. TSANG Hon-man Mr. WU Cheuk-him Against: 0 vote Abstain: 0 vote Total: 15 votes

235. The Chairman announced that the motion moved by Mr. Francis YAM had been carried.

(5) Proposed widening of the carriageway using the planters off Plover Cove Road

236. The Chairman said that at the TPDC meeting on 6 September, Mr. CHENG Chun-ping pointed out that there were many school buses and private vehicles parked at the side of Plover Cove Road (near the entrance to Tai Po Old Market Public School) picking up and dropping off students, which had turned Plover Cove Road from a two-lane carriageway into a single-lane carriageway. As the planters there were rather huge, Mr. CHENG Chun-ping suggested the Government consider widening the carriageway using the planter area so as to improve the traffic - 59 -

there. The Chairman asked the TD to note and follow up on the afore-mentioned suggestion.

237. Mr. CHEUNG Wai-fung noted Mr. CHENG Chun-ping’s comments. He indicated that the department would study how much room the planters could free up so as to examine the feasibility of the works. The study result would be reported to the TTC in a timely manner.

XVII. Date of next meeting

238. The Chairman announced that the next meeting would be held at 2:30 p.m. on 9 November 2018 (Friday).

239. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m.

Tai Po District Council Secretariat October 2018