(Confirmed minutes) (Translation)

Sai Kung District Council Minutes of the Sixth Meeting in 2016

Date: 1 November 2016 (Tuesday) Time: 9:30 a.m. Venue: Conference Room of the Sai Kung District Council

Present From To Mr. NG Sze-fuk, George, GBS, JP 9:30 a.m. 1:50 p.m. (Chairman) Mr. SING Hon-keung, BBS, MH (Vice 9:30 a.m. 1:50 p.m. Chairman) Mr. AU Ning-fat, Alfred, MH 9:30 a.m. 1:50 p.m. Mr. CHAN Kai-wai 9:30 a.m. 1:50 p.m. Mr. CHAN Pok-chi, Jonathan 9:30 a.m. 1:50 p.m. Mr. CHAU Yin-ming, Francis, BBS, MH 9:30 a.m. 1:50 p.m. Mr. CHEUNG Chin-pang, Edwin 9:30 a.m. 1:50 p.m. Mr. CHEUNG Mei-hung 9:30 a.m. 1:50 p.m. Ms. FONG Kwok-shan, Christine 9:30 a.m. 1:50 p.m. Mr. CHONG Yuen-tung 9:30 a.m. 1:50 p.m. Mr. CHUNG Kam-lun 9:30 a.m. 1:50 p.m. Mr. FAN Kwok-wai, Gary 9:30 a.m. 1:50 p.m. Mr. HIEW Moo-siew 9:30 a.m. 1:50 p.m. Mr. HO Man-kit, Raymond 10:28 a.m. 1:50 p.m. Mr. KAN Siu-kei 9:30 a.m. 1:50 p.m. Mr. LAI Ming-chak 9:30 a.m. 1:50 p.m. Mr. LAM Siu-chung, Frankie 9:30 a.m. 1:50 p.m. Mr. LAU Wai-cheung, Peter, MH 9:37 a.m. 1:50 p.m. Mr. LEUNG Li 9:30 a.m. 1:50 p.m. Mr. LI Ka-leung, Philip 9:30 a.m. 1:50 p.m. Mr. LING Man-hoi, BBS, MH 9:30 a.m. 1:50 p.m. Mr. LUI Man-kwong 9:30 a.m. 1:50 p.m. Mr. LUK Ping-choi 9:30 a.m. 12:49 p.m. Mr. TAM Lanny, Stanley, MH 9:30 a.m. 1:50 p.m. Mr. TSE Ching-fung 9:30 a.m. 1:50 p.m. Mr. WAN Kai-ming 9:30 a.m. 1:50 p.m. Mr. WAN Yuet-cheung, BBS, MH, JP 9:30 a.m. 1:50 p.m. Mr. WONG Shui-sang 9:30 a.m. 12:13 p.m. Mr. YAU Yuk-lun 9:30 a.m. 1:50 p.m. Miss LAU Tang, Moira Senior Executive Officer (District Council), Sai Kung District Office

In Attendance Ms. SIU Mo-lin, Maureen, JP District Officer (Sai Kung), Sai Kung District Office Mr. KWOK Chung-kai, Peter Assistant District Officer (Sai Kung)1, Sai Kung District Office

- 1 - Mr. CHU Chi-ho, Marco Assistant District Officer (Sai Kung)2, Sai Kung District Office Miss MAK Wai-man, Sandy Senior Liaison Officer (1), Sai Kung District Office Ms. LAM Yee-lai, Decem Senior Liaison Officer (2), Sai Kung District Office Mr. LIU Chung-him, Michael Executive Officer I (District Council), Sai Kung District Office Ms. TAM Yin-ping, Donna District Planning Officer / Sai Kung & Islands, Planning Department Ms. Lily NG District Social Welfare Officer (Wong Tai Sin / Sai Kung), Social Welfare Department Mr. Barry John SMITH District Commander (Kwun Tong), Hong Kong Police Force Mr. James Harold BETTS District Commander (Wong Tai Sin), Hong Kong Police Force Mr. CHIANG Nin-tat, Eric Chief Engineer / NTE1, Civil Engineering and Development Department Mr. TSE Chick-lam Chief Manager / M (Kowloon West & Sai Kung Region), Housing Department Ms. CHOI Kwok-chun, Jane District Lands Officer / Sai Kung, District Lands Office, Sai Kung Mr. TSANG Ka-lok Administrative Assistant / Lands (Acting), District Lands Office, Sai Kung Mr. TSUI Chun-fai, Joseph Chief Transport Officer / Goods Vehicle, Transport Department Ms. FUNG Ka-wai, Annie District Leisure Manger (Sai Kung), Leisure and Cultural Services Department Mr. CHIANG Fat-kwai District Environmental Hygiene Superintendent (Sai Kung), Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Mrs. YEUNG HO Poi-yan, Commissioner for Transport, Transport Ingrid, JP Department Ms. HO Wai-yin, Irene Assistant Commissioner for Transport / New Territories, Transport Department Mr. CHEUNG Kin-hung, Eric Senior Engineer / Housing & Planning / NT For East, Transport Department agenda Ms. SHIU Lai-ming, Nana Engineer / Pedestrian Improvements, item I Transport Department Mr. CHU Cheuk-king Senior Transport Officer / Sai Kung, Transport Department Mr. CHEUNG Cheuk-wai, Transport Officer / Sai Kung, Transport Jeffrey Department Mr. WONG Siu-shun Senior Engineer 5 / Central Wanchai Bypass, For Highways Department agenda Mr. Stephen MAK Director, Meinhardt Infrastructure and item II Environment Limited Mr. Stephen Alan HANDLEY Senior Superintendent of Police (Projects) For (Kowloon East Regional HQ), Hong Kong agenda Police Force item Mr. YEUNG Kai-ho, Mark Executive Officer (Projects) (Kowloon East X(B)(2) Regional HQ), Hong Kong Police Force

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The Chairman welcomed all Members and all the attendees for joining the meeting, in particular Mr. TSE Chick-lam, Chief Manager / M (Kowloon West & Sai Kung Region), Housing Department, who replaced Mr. LUK Hing-chuen, Steve in managing the housing affairs of Sai Kung district.

I. Commissioner for Transport meeting with the Sai Kung District Council

2. The Chairman welcomed:  Mrs. Ingrid YEUNG, JP, Commissioner for Transport, Transport Department;  Ms. Irene HO, Assistant Commissioner for Transport / New Territories, Transport Department;  Mr. Eric CHEUNG, Senior Engineer / Housing & Planning / NT East, Transport Department;  Mr. Joseph TSUI, Chief Transport Officer / Goods Vehicle, Transport Department;  Mr. CHU Cheuk-king, Senior Transport Officer / Sai Kung, Transport Department;  Ms. Nana SHIU, Engineer / Pedestrian Improvements, Transport Department; and  Mr. Jeffry CHEUNG, Transport Officer / Sai Kung, Transport Department.

3. Ms. Irene HO, Assistant Commissioner for Transport / New Territories, Transport Department gave a powerpoint presentation to Members on the scope of service of the Transport Department (TD) and introduced to them the improvement on traffic engineering and public transport services in Sai Kung district in recent years.

4. Mr. LUK Ping-choi said that the bus service in Tseung Kwan O South would be extended to the area of Chi Shin Street, Po Yap Road, Tseung Kwan O Plaza and Tong Chun Street. He asked the TD whether they would conduct consultation regarding this and whether the bus fare would be adjusted due to the extension of the service. He also hoped that the TD could request the bus companies to increase the service frequency.

5. Mr. TSE Ching-fung said that a number of bus routes departing from LOHAS Park or Oscar by the Sea would run via Chi Shin Street and then Tong Chun Street. The TD conducted consultation regarding the proposed route adjustment but most of the local residents objected to the proposed arrangement as it would be inconvenient for residents and would cause noise problem. Besides, the TD mentioned in the presentation that parking spaces for heavy vehicles would be provided at Tong Chun Street near to the Waterfront Park. Yet, the TD had not consulted the SKDC Members, residents or the relevant persons. As the SKDC Member of that constituency, he was not informed by the TD about this. At present, residents of Bauhinia Garden and other estates nearby had been deeply troubled by the illegal parking problem of heavy vehicles. He hoped to know why the TD made this arrangement and hoped that the TD would conduct consultation. Regarding the cycle track improvement works, he considered that the indications were clear but the newly installed plastic bollards were fragile. He hoped that the TD could follow up and improve the situation.

(Post meeting note from the TD: The Sai Kung District Office (SKDO) contacted Mr. TSE Ching-fung after the meeting and confirmed that Mr. TSE had already received the consultation email dated 8 April 2016 from the SKDO regarding the proposal of the TD to provide night-time on-street goods vehicle parking spaces at Tong Chung Street of Tseung Kwan O.)

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6. Mr. LING Man-hoi said that in view of the large amount of passengers using Hang Hau Station during the morning rush hours, he hoped that the TD could discuss with the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) to improve the service frequency during that period. Besides, a shelter was not yet available for the minibus stop outside Hau Tak Shopping Centre at Chung Wa Road. He hoped that the TD could assist in following up this matter.

7. Mr. Jonathan CHAN hoped that the TD could maintain close contact with the SKDC regarding the works progress of the Tseung Kwan O – Lam Tin Tunnel. Besides, the loading of the Tseung Kwan O Line had reached 100.6%. It was hoped that more short term and long term plans and arrangements could be put in place to improve the situation. It was also hoped that local stakeholders could be involved to a greater extent in planning for the future integration of transport with the city. The TD might also consider making use of information technology to provide more real time traffic information in its mobile application, so that members of the public could choose the appropriate transport means before they leave home. He welcomed the improvement works of the cycle track, in particular the addition of double white lines along the narrow sections of the track. Yet, he hoped that the configuration of the bicycle parking spaces could be improved. Apart from this, he hoped that the TD and the Police could step up their enforcement efforts against illegal parking. As far as he knew, the medical staff of Tseung Kwan O Hospital were delayed in reportingtheir duties due to illegal parking. He also pointed out that the lack of pedestrian crossing facilities on the north bound lane of Ying Yip Road posed risks to the public, especially on holidays when hikers tried to cross the road to Duckling Hill. Lastly, he asked about the progress of the improvement works for bus stop facilities in Sai Kung Tseung Kwan O district (among the 3,000 or so works items in the whole territory).

8. Mr. KAN Siu-kei said that cross harbour bus service was currently not available for residents of Tseung Kwan O South. When Sheung Tak Estate was completed, residents mainly relied on the service of route no. 692. However, this service was cancelled two years ago, which left residents with MTR service as the only option in transport. Yet, the situation became worse when the MTR service was disrupted. Although the SKDC had raised a number of suggestions with a view to keep route no. 692 running, the service was still cancelled eventually. Apart from this, the ventilation system at Sheung Tak Public Transport Interchange was supposed to provide fresh air for the area. However, as the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) only cleaned the system roughly on receiving complaints, the dust and dirt accumulated inside the system together with the humid climate might enhance the growth of bacteria. He hoped that the TD could pay attention to this issue.

9. Mr. CHONG Yuen-tung said that the TD had taken an active role to alleviate the traffic congestion of Tseung Kwan O Tunnel, e.g. designating bus lane and bus-bus interchange. He hoped that these improvement works could be completed as soon as possible. In the medium term, he hoped that the Tseung Kwan O – Lam Tin Tunnel could be completed as scheduled to solve the congestion problem of Tseung Kwan O Tunnel. Apart from this, with the completion of housing estates in Tseung Kwan O from time to time, the population in the district had been growing. Even with the completion of the Tseung Kwan O – Lam Tin Tunnel, it still might not be able to cope with the long term development. Hence, the TD should be bold enough to devise more creative solutions to the traffic problems. For instance, they could consider linking LOHAS Park Station with Hong Kong Island to add one more rail line to the existing development plan of “Two tunnels, one rail line”. Besides, the TD was planning to greatly reduce the service frequency of bus route no. 692P, which received strong

- 4 - objection from residents of Tseung Kwan O South. He suggested that the TD should provide bus interchange concession for bus route no. 690 at the bus stop off Kwun Tong Police Station, so that residents could interchange there on their way back to Tseung Kwan O South. Whereas for bus route no. 692, the TD could consider letting the bus run via Hang Hau and Tseung Kwan O South during rush hours. Regarding the elevated walkway at Tong Ming Street, he hoped that the TD could promptly complete the tendering procedures and shorten the project period.

10. Mr. Philip LI understood that the TD had been actively resolving the traffic problems in the rural area of Sai Kung. Yet, residents of Sai Kung still found it very difficult to get to the urban area. Traffic congestion often occurred on Hiram’s Highway during the morning and evening rush hours. Residents had to queue up for a long time after work at the Hang Hau Station Public Transport Interchange for public transport services. However, as the condition inside the Interchange was very poor, residents said that they had a very hard time while waiting for public transport services. It was hoped that the TD could improve the condition of the public transport interchanges of Tseung Kwan O. Apart from this, most of the residents of Sai Kung took minibus route no. 101M to Hang Hau during rush hours for accessing the urban area via other transportmeans. He suggested that the TD should look into arranging bus route no. 792M (to Tiu Keng Leng) to run via Hang Hau Station, so as to diverse the passengers effectively. In addition, it had been quite inconvenient for residents of Sai Kung to get to Tseung Kwan O Hospital and the Tseung Kwan O Maternal & Child Health Centre by public transport. Those who were ill or pregnant could not get off at the main entrance of the facilities if they took New Territories taxis (NT taxis). He urged the Government to be practical when reviewing the operating area of NT taxis and consider opening up the Ambulatory Care Block of Tseung Kwan O Hospital, the Maternal & Child Health Centre and the Sai Kung Tseung Kwan O Government Complex for NT Taxis to pick up or drop off passengers.

11. Mr. YAU Yuk-lun said that while the TD officers had been working hard on improving the traffic of Sai Kung, he hoped that they could be equally bold in handling larger projects of forward-looking nature. Regarding the Hang Hau west area, traffic congestion occurred on Clear Water Bay Highway connecting to Shaw Studio, Tai Po Tsai Village, Razor Hill Road and Tseng Lan Shue. The area near Anderson Road would be developed into a residential area for a population of 50,000 to 60,000 residents. Residential projects for about 10,000 residents were also being developed at Shaw Studio and Tai Po Tsai Village. In addition to the original residents of Sai Kung District, a journey that normally took 10 minutes time on Clear Water Bay Road currently took 15-20 minutes to drive through. In case accident happened (e.g. a recent minor accident near Ping Shek Estate), the journey time would increase to one to two hours due to congestion. He suggested that the TD could construct flyovers at the bottlenecks of the highway. MTR service could also be considered at Tai Po Tsai near the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The bus stops and minibus stops on the south and north bound lanes should also be widened, together with increase in service frequency.

12. Mr. Peter LAU said that parking spaces (especially those for large vehicles) were at present highly insufficient in Tseung Kwan O. He suggested that the TD should request the developers to provide parking spaces for large vehicles at the basement of their buildings of large scale projects in the future, so that less large vehicles would be parking on road side in the district which might pose risks to the passers-by. Currently, the roundabout at Clear Water Bay Road and Silverstrand was a bottleneck in the district. While the TD would add one more lane there within a short time, a medium or long term plan should be devised to cater for the

- 5 - busy traffic. Lastly, he considered the bus route no. 91S launched in August a great success. He hoped that the TD could add one more departure in the morning to enhance the service.

13. Mr. WONG Shui-sang said that the traffic problem in Sai Kung was caused by the insufficiency of parking spaces. Many of the vehicles in the district were looking for a parking space which caused traffic congestion. Hence, he urged the TD to provide more parking spaces when implementing the Hiram’s Highway Improvement Stage 1 Project and when conducting the consultation for Stage 2, so as to alleviate the congestion problem. In addition, despite the repeated requests from local people, NT taxis were still not allowed to pick up or drop off passengers at Tseung Kwan O Hospital. He asked the TD to reconsider the requests from residents. Apart from these, the Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme had currently been extended to cover all green minibuses. He would like to know whether the Scheme would also cover red minibuses.

14. Mr. LAI Ming-chak was concerned that bus route nos. 694, 796C, 796P and 796X would be re-routed by stages towards the end of 2016 or in early 2017 from Po Yap Road to Chi Shin Street. He had expressed his reservation regarding this arrangement when the consultation on bus service re-organization plan was being conducted. As some of the residential estates in Tseung Kwan O South was not yet fully occupied, whereas residential estates like Tseung Kwan O Plaza, Bauhinia Garden and Yee Ming Estate were already present along Po Yap Road, he hoped that the TD could postpone this arrangement and wait till residents moved in to all the housing estates at Tseung Kwan O South. Then the TD could conduct an assessment and decide on the routing of the bus routes based on the passenger volume. The insufficiency in parking spaces of Tseung Kwan O gave rise to severe illegal parking problem – Ngan O Road and Man Kuk Lane near La Cite Noble, Tong Tak Street near Tseung Kwan O Plaza, etc. were blackspots of illegal parking. He therefore requested the TD to construct a multi-storey car park at Hang Hau or Tseung Kwan O. The TD might also consider converting the bicycle parking spaces with low utilization rate into motorcycle parking spaces. In addition, as the loading of Tseung Kwan O Line had reached its full capacity, he objected to any reduction in public transport services of the district after the completion of the Kwun Tong Line Extension and Shatin to Central Link.

15. Mr. LUI Man-kwong said that, with the completion of a number of large-scale residential estates in Tseung Kwan O South in the next few months, the demand for transport service from local residents would become keen. Take Tseung Kwan O Station as an example, it took a long time for passengers to get on the train during the rush hours. As the loading had reached its full capacity, he hoped that when the TD planned the supporting transport facilities for the district in the next few months or in the medium or long term, they should avoid reducing the public transport services of the district. The frequency of the MTR and bus services should be increased instead to meet the demand from the rapid increase in population. In addition, with the completion of the government complex in Area 67, more civil servants would have to come to the district for work. Hence, the TD should take a comprehensive view when devising the long term transport development strategy of the district to meet the needs of local residents. Apart from this, illegal parking problems of commercial and private vehicles in the area of Tong Tak Street and Tong Yin Street had been severe and the picking up and dropping off of students by school buses at nearby schools had been affected. He hoped that the TD could provide more parking spaces in the district and consider constructing multi-storey or underground car parks.

16. Mr. LEUNG Li said that the Traffic and Transport Committee (TTC) had wanted to

- 6 - meet with the Commissioner for Transport earlier to discuss the reduction of local bus service under the Bus Route Planning Programme. With the completion of a number of residential projects in Tseung Kwan O South, Tiu Keng Leng and LOHAS Park within a short time, population upsurge would surely occur in the district. Hence the cancellation of bus routes proposed by the TD at this time would not be supported by local residents. During the powerpoint presentation by the TD just now, it was mentioned that the frequency of bus route no. 796X would be reduced while its routing would be extended. This showed that the TD was planning to increase the passenger volume of that route while reducing its service frequency at the same time. This would cause inconvenience to the public. He hoped that the TD could pledge not to reduce the service frequency of bus route no. 796X. In addition, the TD should also review the overnight transport service of the district. Currently, only two bus routes provided overnight service for Tseung Kwan O, among which the service provided by Kowloon Motor Bus Company Limited (KMB) would not run via Tiu Keng Leng and LOHAS Park. Hence, he hoped that the TD could consider looking into the provision of overnight green minibus service. Lastly, he would like to know the schedule of the TD in increasing the number of seats on minibuses.

17. Mr. Gary FAN said that he had been concerned about the dominance of MTR service in the mass transit system for a long time. He considered that the Government had a role to play in maintaining healthy competition on market share between MTR and various public transport service providers, such as buses and public light buses. The increase in the number of minibus seats was a proposal widely accepted by the trade and the public. Yet, the Government still had not come up with a conclusion after long term studies. At present, only a smaller amount of low-floor minibuses were available. He asked whether the Government had devised an implementation schedule for this. The “20% Same-day Return Discount Concession Scheme” was launched by the KMB only because the bus fare had been increased for three times in seven to eight years. The resulted surplus over the permitted return triggered the passenger reward arrangement. In view of the expiration of KMB’s franchise in July 2017, he asked whether the Government would internally review the threshold of 9.7% under the fare adjustment mechanism. Lastly, as the Tseung Kwan O – Lam Tin Tunnel was an important infrastructure that targeted at alleviating the traffic congestion of Tseung Kwan O, he would like to know if the TD had discussed with the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) and other relevant departments on how to speed up the commencement and completion of the project under the existing framework and policy.

18. Mr. CHUNG Kam-lun said that a driver driving on Ching Cheung Road was injured by the construction waste that fell from a lorry in the contraflow lane few days ago. In Tseung Kwan O district, it was also quite common to find construction waste being unintentionally left on the road. This showed that loopholes still existed in the regulation of goods vehicles carrying construction waste. He hoped that the TD could amend the relevant legislation and request goods vehicles drivers to completely enclose the construction waste they carry to prevent accidents from happening. Apart from this, he considered the position of the electronic display panel on real time traffic information of Tseung Kwan O Tunnel Road unsatisfactory. When drivers saw the relevant traffic information, it was too late for them to use an alternative route. The purpose to diverge the traffic flow could not be achieved. He suggested that the TD could add an electronic display panel at the entrance of the link road to Tseung Kwan O so that drivers could decide whether they should continue to access Tseung Kwan O through the tunnel based on the traffic condition at that time. He also suggested that the TD could improve the image quality of the live webcast and use media streaming instead of snapshots to display the real time traffic condition. Regarding the bus service

- 7 - rationalization plan, as the TD chose the service providers by tendering process, interchange concession could not be arranged among different bus companies. He hoped that the TD could make an improvement.

19. Mr. Frankie LAM said that the TD had not provided the estates completed at the early stage (e.g. King Ming Court, Tsui Lam Estate and Hong Sing Garden) with walkways linking to Po Lam Station. As a result, residents of these estates would have to pay for the feeder transport. He hoped that the TD could improve the situation by making reference to On Tat Estate. Besides, he urged the Transport and Housing Bureau (THB) to promptly implement the proposal raised in 2014 to construct the MTR East Kowloon extension and the Hong King Station for the convenience of residents. Apart from this, while bus route rationalization for all other districts of New Territories East had completed, the rationalization for Sai Kung was still going through the discussion stage. As residents living up the hill relied heavily on bus service, he hoped that the TD could promptly implement the bus route rationalization programme after thorough consultation with local residents. Lastly, he suggested that the TD should consider providing overnight minibus bus service from Mongkok to Tseung Kwan O and enhance their law enforcement efforts against the illegal practice of “taxi pooling” for the safety of passengers in the district.

20. Mr. AU Ning-fat said that five or six vehicles had been parking illegally at Po Lam Road North near Po Lam Estate every night, which made it difficult for large school buses to get through. Although complaints were made to the Police for many times, the problem still existed. He hoped that the TD could step up its efforts to follow up the case and improve the situation.

21. Mr. Stanley Tam was concerned that some 30,000 residents living up the hill could not access the MTR station by foot like most residents of Tseung Kwan O. They could only rely on minibus service to get to the MTR station. And yet, the minibus service had not improved over all these years. Residents would have to wait for 15 minutes or more during rush hours before they could get on the minibus. He hoped that that TD could monitor the minibus service more closely. Regarding the development of train service for Kowloon East, he hoped that the TD could convey the comments of residents to the relevant authorities and set up a station at Tsui Lam Hong King area and promptly implement the proposal. Apart from these, lost trip problem often occurred for bus route nos. 98A, 98C and 98D. While the bus company attributed this to the traffic condition, the actual cause was the shortage of bus drivers. He hoped that that TD could monitor the bus companies more closely. Lastly, he met with the Assistant Commissioner in May 2016 to convey two problems faced by residents living up the hill, which included the construction of a footpath to Po Lam and the noise problem of Tsui Lam Road. He hoped that the TD could follow up on these issues.

22. Mr. WAN Yuet-cheung said that the New People's Party was the first political party to suggest increasing the capacity of minibus from 16 to 20 seats. This suggestion could help reduce the number of vehicles on roads and the waiting time of passengers. The THB had submitted documents to the Legislative Council (LegCo) earlier which suggested increasing the capacity of minibuses to 19 seats. He hoped that the TD could promptly implement this proposal. Shelters had to be installed at the minibus termini and the popular en route stops of the district. Yet, the SKDC often encountered problems when discussing this issue with minibus operators. Hence, he hoped that the TD could consider adding the relevant terms in their discussion with minibus operators regarding the renewal of their Passenger Service Licence and requested them to construct minibus stop shelters. Besides, he considered the

- 8 - illegal parking problems of heavy vehicles (in particular those trucks heading to the landfill site) very serious.

23. Mr. WAN Kai-ming said that Sai Kung is the “Back Garden” of Hong Kong. During weekends and public holidays, tourists had to spend a lot of time waiting for the transport in order to travel between Sai Kung and the urban area. Besides, they also have to put up with traffic congestion. He hoped that the TD could promptly solve the congestion problem of Hiram’s Highway. At the same time, the traffic congestion was equally serious during the rush hours at Tseung Kwan O Tunnel. As some of the buses were stuck in the traffic, lost trip problems occurred. As a result, more people chose to take the MTR service, which contributed to the vicious cycle of increasing the pressure on the MTR service which was already reaching its maximum capacity. Hence, he hoped that the Tseung Kwan O – Lam Tin Tunnel could be completed as soon as possible to solve the traffic problem of Tseung Kwan O in the long run.

24. Mr. HIEW Moo-siew said that the works progress of the Hiram’s Highway Improvement Stage 1 Project was satisfactory. At present, the traffic congestion problem during rush hours at Hiram’s Highway had extended to Sai Kung Fire Station and Sai Kung Town Centre. The major reason for this was the “bottleneck” at the bus bay near Ho Chung bridge (Kowloon direction) which could only accommodate one bus at a time. The other buses had to wait on the main carriageway and caused traffic congestion. The TD, the Highways Department (HyD) and the contractors were considering extending the length of the bus bay, while the relevant working group of the SKDC had received a reply from government officials stating that the bus stop would be lengthened to accommodate two buses in the new year. He hoped that the Commissioner could discuss with her colleagues to implement this proposal. Besides these, Po Lo Che Road was constructed in 1960s and it could not meet the needs of the existing traffic flow. He hoped that the TD could promptly consider providing passing bays there and look into the feasibility of widening the road. Apart from these, there was currently no queuing instruction facilities at the bus stops and minibus stops in the rural areas. It could become chaotic when the weather was bad and cause inconvenience to the elderly.

25. Mr. Francis CHAU was concerned about the mechanism between the TD and the district councils in their discussion of local or even territory-wide traffic and transport issues. The TTC of the SKDC had been spending most of its time discussing the problems related to local traffic. While the subject officers and engineers of the TD had been working hard, the long discussion had not been very effective in solving the problems due to their rank. He hoped that the TD could attach importance to this issue. As most of the local traffic problems were related to territory-wide policies, the TD should rationalize the relevant mechanisms before carrying out focus discussion with the district councils. For instance, these included: the delayed completion of the T2 link road by two years after the completion of the Tseung Kwan O – Lam Tin Tunnel; how to rationalize the traffic of the three cross harbour tunnels; the Shatin to Central Link and the South Island Line which would be completed soon; the seven line extensions planned to be completed by 2030; and whether the overall development strategy of the MTR service could cater for the population development of Tseung Kwan O and the whole territory. Most Members considered that bus service could not be replaced. This showed that they did not have enough confidence regarding the train service which had reached its full capacity by now. All these issues had to be dealt with through effective focus discussion. He hoped that the TD could send officers of the appropriate ranks in the future to hold focus discussion with the district councils.

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26. Mr. CHEUNG Mei-hung hoped that the Commissioner could urge the TD to attach more importance to the aspirations of LOHAS Park residents. On average, over 4,000 dump trucks passed by Wan Po Road every day. Quite a few traffic accidents occurred every month, e.g. 6, 11, 17 May, 14 July and 8 September of 2016. Traffic accidents were also reported in the relevant road sections recently. He had requested the TD for many times to install speed enforcement cameras and red light cameras but the TD had not responded to his request. Besides, Metro City Plaza Shopping Mall had agreed to provide free shuttle bus service for LOHAS Park residents to get to Po Lam and pay for the operating expenses. Yet, this proposal was dealt with conventionally by the TD which rejected the proposal due to traffic conditions. With almost 50,000 residents in LOHAS Park, and in view of residents moving in to LOHAS Park Phase 3 and the Beaumount II, he hoped that the TD could attach more importance to the insufficiency of bus and minibus service in the district.

27. Ms. Christine FONG said she was aware that the TD was responsible for issuing vehicle licences. In view of the frequent occurrence of accidents involving heavy vehicles recently, she requested the TD to consider setting up a registration system when issuing or renewing the licence for heavy vehicles, in particular trailers / transit skips. Driving improvement courses might be included in the registration system for enhancing road safety. It was because a heavy vehicle of 24 tonnes might pose risks to other road users. Besides, she asked the TD to consider adopting a one-way toll collection approach at Tseung Kwan O Tunnel. She added that the air quality of public transport interchanges should be improved with the fresh air ventilation enhanced. She had raised the suggestion to install electronic display panel on traffic information in the district for many times but such works were not carried out. Apart from the suggestion to install one at Tseung Kwan O Tunnel, a display panel should also be installed at the road section to Sai Kung. This could inform drivers in advance about the traffic condition of the district during public holidays so that they could decide whether they should take another route or just leave. The TD should also speed up the development of train service network. Apart from the North Island Line and the line extension from Tseung Kwan O to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the TD could also look into the feasibility of adding the HKUST Station to the East Kowloon Line which was currently being planned. Besides, the bus and minibus interchange station at Tseung Kwan O should be promptly confirmed instead of waiting for the development of the Anderson Road Quarry site. The TD should also look into introducing overnight transport service and the use of low carbon footprint electric buses and minibuses. Besides, the parking spaces were insufficient in Sai Kung district. Passing bays should also be added along the route when the study for Hiram’s Highway Improvement Stage 2 Project was being conducted to reduce the traffic congestion problem. Lastly, the TD should review the permitted operating areas of NT taxis for the convenience of the public.

28. Mr. CHAN Kai-wai said that the bus-bus interchange scheme which had been discussed for a long time still had not achieved any progress. The main reason was that bus companies were not able to allocate additional resources to it. In Tseung Kwan O, the Kowloon Motor Bus Company Limited (KMB) and the New World First Bus Services Limited (NWFB) had been serving the southern and the northern parts of the district separately. If the bus-bus interchange scheme could not be implemented between routes of different bus companies at the interchange station in the future, passengers would not be able to benefit from it. This issue was already raised out in the previous meetings but the TD had not provided a specific response. Hence, he hoped that meetings with the Commissioner could be arranged regularly so as to implement this scheme effectively. The Audit Commission criticized that it was a

- 10 - waste to set up a public transport interchange in front of the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education. At the same time, the SKDC had been striving for the relocation of the outdoor bus stop opposite to Metro Town to the indoor public transport interchange for years. Hence, he urged the TD to make good use of the resources so that the awaiting passengers could be sheltered from the sun or rain. Besides, he hoped that the TD could construct the North Island Line as soon as possible and provide public toilets inside the MTR stations. Apart from these, many bicycle accidents (two fatal and many resulted in injury) had occurred within the last five years at O King Road. Yet, the TD still claimed that the road section could not be classified as a traffic accident black spot. He urged the TD to deal with the bicycle speeding and dangerous driving problems to improve the situation. The TD should also provide more supporting facilities at the fragmented cycle tracks to reduce the occurrence of accidents. Lastly, the TD should consider adding parking meters and constructing underground car parks at the appropriate locations to alleviate the problem of overly expensive parking spaces in the district.

29. Mr. Edwin CHEUNG hoped that the real time traffic information system could be incorporated into the Hong Kong eTransport mobile application of the TD in the future. Currently, members of the public could only check real time traffic information (internet version) via third party mobile applications. Users’ information could often be stolen by these third party mobile applications through the security loopholes. It would make it more convenient to members of the public if the eTransport mobile application could display the real time traffic information of KMB, Citybus Limited (CTB), NWFB, tunnels and roads at the same time. With the granting of franchises to CTB and NWFB in June, the two bus companies had pledged to upgrade their Estimated Time of Arrival System (ETA System) within two years. He hoped that the TD could put more pressure on the bus companies regarding the upgrading and the development of the system. It was because CTB and NWFB had currently only launched the ETA service for eight routes on a trial basis. They often attributed lost trip problems to the road conditions. Residents of Tseung Kwan O could not monitor the bus service or plan their trip effectively through the ETA System or the customer service hotline of the bus companies. In addition, he hoped that the TD could follow up and improve the situation at the public transport interchange of Tseung Kwan O – residents nearby, drivers of buses or taxis, as well as the cleaning staff of the contractors of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) often placed furniture, daily items, cleaning tools, etc. there.

30. Mr. Raymond HO said that the population of Tseung Kwan O would rise drastically in the next few years. The traffic flow would be extremely high, while the landfill site would still be in operation. Regarding the traffic congestion, he asked the TD if they would consider making reference to the tidal flow arrangements of the Lion Rock Tunnel in the past and appointing a professional organization to look into the feasibility of such arrangement as an alleviation measure before the completion of the Tseung Kwan O – Lam Tin Tunnel in the next three to five years. In addition, various mechanized movable devices had become available with the advancement in technology. Yet, the TD made a clear cut claim that such tools violated the Road Traffic Ordinance. In fact, many countries had introduced a licensing system and regulated on the specific locations of using the tools. He hoped that the TD could consider reviewing the existing policies. Apart from this, residents of Tseung Kwan O hoped that the TD could promptly review the public transport policy of according priority to railways and hold territory-wide discussion again regarding this issue. He considered that this policy should not be used as the grounds for rejecting the suggestions to launch more surface land transport service. Besides, residents had requested to enhance the supporting facilities for

- 11 - electric vehicles. Examples of the requests included looking into the feasibility of retrofitting parking meters with charging function. Lastly, under the policy of the TD, bicycles were used for leisure purposes only. According to a study conducted many years ago, bicycles were not suitable for Hong Kong as a transport means due to its sloping terrain. However, as new towns like Tseung Kwan O consisted mainly of level land, the TD might consider revising the policy and introduce bicycle as a transport means of new towns.

31. Mr. SING Hon-keung expressed his concern about the road sections with busy traffic in rural areas. As mentioned earlier in the discussion, the roundabout at Clear Water Bay Road between Tai Po Tsai and Silverstrand was presently very busy during the rush hours. It was expected that the traffic flow would increase with residents moving into the newly completed residential units at Tai Po Tsai. While the TD currently planned to widen the junction of Clear Water Bay Road near Silverstrand, it could only alleviate the problem in the short term. The TD should devise a plan to improve that section of Clear Water Bay Road and look into widening the whole section of the road to solve the traffic problem in the long run. Besides, he hoped that the TD could consider providing an extra departure for bus route no. 91S and convert that special bus service into regular service to meet the needs of local residents.

32. Mrs. Ingrid YEUNG, Commissioner for Transport, TD, responded to the questions of Members as follows:

Public Transport

 Regarding public transport policy, several Members said that the TD should review the policy of according priority to railways and should not use railway expansion as the excuse to reject the requests for increasing other public transport services. In fact, as trains operated on dedicated tracks without occupying any road space, and it was environmentally friendly and fast with high capacity, expanding railway services was a natural option in terms of the provision of better public transport services. Besides, given that Hong Kong was a small and densely-populated city with limited road space, and the idea of land reclamation was frowned on by the public, there was limited scope for the outward expansion of the urban area of Hong Kong as in the case of overseas cities. Since the environmental requirements (such as roadside air quality) had been tightened these days, it became more difficult to meet these requirements in carrying out large-scale road works. Therefore, it was no easy task to build more roads within the limited space. Such being the case, it was essential to make better use of road-based transport and make better arrangement accordingly.  The TD agreed that more high-capacity transport modes (e.g. bus) should be used on the roads. As to Members’ comments on the rationalisation and truncation of bus services in the district, the fact was that the service had instead been enhanced. For instance, although bus route no. 692 was cancelled, the resources so saved had been allocated to the introduction of bus route no. 290 and its supplementary routes, and the new bus services were well-received by the public. The number of buses deployed to route no. 290 had also far exceeded the number of buses deployed to the former route no. 692. In this context, the number of buses deployed to provide services to the public had indeed been increased.  The TD had kept in close view the development of Tseung Kwan O South and would timely enhance the public transport services. Yet, due to the limited road space and the traffic congestion problem at Tseung Kwan O Tunnel as mentioned by Members, appropriate transport services could be provided on the condition that the number of

- 12 - vehicles on the roads was carefully controlled.  Regarding the progress on increasing the seating capacity of public light buses (PLB), the THB had submitted the relevant paper to the LegCo in June. The Government was expected to submit the proposal to the LegCo for discussion in the next few months. As its implementation would require amending the law, proposed legislative amendments would be submitted to the LegCo for deliberation, and subject to the LegCo’s endorsement, the proposal could then be implemented. She hoped that increasing the seating capacity of PLBs would be conducive to the enhancement of services provided to residents.  Regarding the monitoring of green minibuses (GMBs), the TD currently issued passenger service licences with a validity period of three years to GMB operators. The TD would review the service with the operators about 1.5 years after the issuance of licences. If the service was up to standard, their licences could be renewed. The TD adopted stringent approach in monitoring the performance of operators. For instance, the TD revoked the licence of an operator and re-tendered the routes when the performance of a GMB route package in Sha Tin was found to be unsatisfactory in a recent mid-term review. The TD would exercise great care in handling these cases to avoid causing inconvenience to the public.  Regarding the permitted operating areas for NT taxis, the TD had to be extra careful in dealing with the matter. The existing permitted operating areas for urban and NT taxis were delineated due to a host of historical reasons. NT taxis had all along been allowed to provide services in Hang Hau and the area along Shek Kok Road. For the convenience of passengers, NT taxis were also allowed to enter public transport interchanges located at the periphery of their permitted operating areas, but were not allowed to pick up or set down passengers along the way. The TD hoped that Members could understand that NT taxis had their own important roles to fulfil, namely to provide services for those remote areas of the New Territories or places not covered by other public transport services. To ensure that NT taxis could provide services to these areas effectively, the TD could not arbitrarily expand the permitted operating areas for NT taxis to cover that of urban taxis. Regarding residents’ requests for allowing NT taxis to have direct access to the Maternal & Child Health Centre of Tseung Kwan O and the Ambulatory Care Block of Tseung Kwan O Hospital, the TD conducted reviews from time to time in this respect. According to the existing arrangements, NT taxis were allowed to access the accident and emergency department of Tseung Kwan O Hospital. Access roads and clear directions were made available inside the hospital to facilitate the public to go to other parts of the hospital. Hence, the TD would like to maintain the existing arrangements for the time being.  Regarding the air quality and facilities of the public transport interchanges, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) had laid down requirements on the air quality of public transport interchanges. The EMSD also measured the amounts of air pollutants from time to time. It was found that the pollutant concentration at the public transport interchange of Tseung Kwan O had not exceeded the standard. The TD understood that the temperature at the public transport interchange in summer was quite high and the passengers waiting inside would find it uncomfortable. As for Members’ comments that the ventilation system of the public transport interchange was poorly-maintained and unclean, the TD would urge the EMSD to follow up and do a better job of the day-to-day monitoring of the condition of the interchange. Members were welcomed to contact the TD should they find any problems in this respect.  Regarding the overnight GMB service for Tseung Kwan O South, GMB operators had been providing overnight service at Wan Po Road. In light of the low patronage, the TD

- 13 - had to strike a balance between the actual demand and the environmental impact (e.g. noise) when planning the GMB and bus services. The TD would closely monitor the passenger demand and liaise with the SKDC as necessary for service enhancement.  Under the existing policy, the Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme did not cover red minibuses (RMBs). The Scheme only applied to those public transport services which were subject to a fare adjustment mechanism as agreed with the Government. The fare and routeings of RMBs were determined by their operators on their own. For the sake of prudent management of public finance and lessening the financial burden on taxpayers, it was considered undesirable to extend the Scheme to cover RMBs. Nevertheless, it was the Government’s long-term policy to encourage RMB operators to convert to GMB operations, so that more passengers could benefit.  Regarding the issue of whether a railway station would be provided at the uphill area in Tseung Kwan O along the East Kowloon Line under planning as well as the progress of the plan, the railway line was one of the seven extensions accorded with priority under the Railway Development Strategy 2014. As the project was still at its preliminary planning stage, its alignments and station arrangements had yet to be finalised. The TD would convey Members’ comments to the Railway Development Office of the HyD and the THB and would keep in view the progress of the project.  Regarding the public transport services in rural areas, the TD noted the Members’ demand for enhancing the service frequency of bus route no. 91S and better integrating the new public transport service with the development of Tai Po Tsai area. Indeed, the TD had been closely monitoring the development of the area and had held discussion with the public transport service operators concerned. The SKDC would be consulted after a concrete proposal had been formulated.  Regarding the proposed inter-company bus-bus interchange concession, the TD admitted that this could not be implemented at this stage as the two bus companies had yet to sort out the accounting arrangements for the interchanging arrangements. It should be noted that bus companies had to properly maintain their accounts in order to meet the stringent requirements of the Government in scrutinising their accounts and calculating their profits and the amounts of passenger reward. Several District Councils had expressed wish that inter-company bus-bus interchange concession should be introduced as soon as possible. The TD would seek to implement it through continuous discussion with the bus companies.  Regarding the enquiry on the re-routing arrangements of bus routes in the district as well as the public transport service of Tseung Kwan O South, the TD would provide a written reply after the meeting.

Road works

 The traffic congestion problem at Tseung Kwan O Tunnel could only be alleviated upon the opening of Tseung Kwan O – Lam Tin Tunnel. Judging from the data gathered in relevant studies conducted by the TD as well as the scenes of traffic accidents occurring at Tseung Kwan O Tunnel, it was considered that the proposed implementation of tidal-flow traffic arrangements would do nothing to ease the traffic congestion at Tseung Kwan O Tunnel. If one of the Tseung Kwan O-bound lanes was to be converted to Kowloon-bound during the morning rush hours, this would only lead to more severe traffic congestion in the Tseung Kwan O-bound direction with its tailbacks stretching to Kwun Tong Bypass, hence lengthening the journey time of public transport. The CEDD had already promptly commenced the construction works for Tseung Kwan O–Lam Tin Tunnel upon obtaining funding approval from LegCo at its meeting in June 2016. The

- 14 - TD would continue to maintain close liaison with the CEDD and urge the departments concerned to complete the construction works expeditiously so as to alleviate the traffic problems in the district.  The TD would consider installing electronic display panels at appropriate locations and explore the feasibility of providing real-time traffic information.  According to the available data, the growth rate of private cars in Hong Kong stood at about 1% to 2% during the period from 2000 to 2009, and increased to about 4% to 5% from 2009 onward. As this growth rate was much higher than the 0.4% growth rate of roads, it would inevitably lead to more severe traffic congestion. Since 2011 upon the increase of the First Registration Tax concession under the Tax Incentives Scheme for Environment-friendly Petrol Private Cars, the growth of these cars had increased drastically. The EPD terminated the Tax Incentive Scheme in 2015 having regard to the fact that vehicles could generally attain higher environmental performance as a result of technological advancement, and the growth rate of these cars had slowed down.  Excessive growth in vehicle fleet combined with shortage of parking spaces had resulted in severe illegal parking, in particular that of heavy vehicles, in the district. In view of the shortage of parking spaces for commercial vehicles in Hong Kong and that commercial vehicles (including coaches, goods vehicles, nanny vans, etc.) had significant contribution to promoting the economy of Hong Kong, the TD would give priority to addressing the shortage of parking spaces for commercial vehicles in the district. In this regard, the TD intended to adopt a decentralisation approach by exploring the feasibility of providing additional commercial vehicle parking spaces on suitable roads that pose no safety risk to pedestrians, as well as at locations in the vicinity of residential developments and public housing estates. This could serve to address the illegal parking of commercial vehicles. In light of the diverse views expressed by the public regarding the provision of commercial vehicle parking spaces on roads, the TD would strike a balance among different considerations and strive to provide more parking spaces for commercial vehicles at suitable locations.  The TD would provide 105 additional parking spaces for commercial vehicles at the government complex of Area 67 for use by large vehicles (e.g. coaches and goods vehicles). Apart from the provision of parking spaces for commercial vehicles, the TD would also provide more parking spaces for private cars at suitable locations and request developers of residential developments and private real estate projects to provide an appropriate number of parking spaces (including dedicated parking spaces for residents as well as hourly parking spaces for the public) to meet the needs of the public.  Under the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines, the provision of parking spaces in different types of buildings was governed by different guidelines. Hence, the TD considered it necessary to first review the guidelines on the number and arrangement of parking spaces for commercial vehicles.  Some Members mentioned that traffic congestion was serious at Clear Water Bay Road near Tai Po Tsai and hoped that the widening works on Hiram’s Highway could solve the problem. The widening works involved complicated procedures, including the acquisition of private land, etc. The HyD would first widen the roundabout of Hiram’s Highway and reduce the size of the planters near the roundabout. They would report the progress of works to the SKDC in due course. Besides, the TD would from time to time remind the residents to make use of public transport as far as possible during the works period to avoid increasing the traffic burden on the district.  Regarding the issue of construction waste being dropped from goods vehicles on their way to the landfill site at Tseung Kwan O, the TD understood that this would affect other road users. The TD would discuss this issue with the EPD, review the existing road

- 15 - traffic legislation and discuss with the police ways to step up law enforcement, etc.  Traffic accidents at Wan Po Road were largely caused by drivers changing lane recklessly or tailgating and had nothing to do with speeding or red light jumping. Hence, installing more speed enforcement cameras or red light cameras might not necessarily help reduce the occurrence of traffic accidents. Nevertheless, the TD would continue to monitor the traffic condition at Wan Po Road. Besides, the provision of additional speed enforcement cameras and red light cameras would be subject to TD’s internal criteria on setting priority for installation work, and had to obtain funding approval from the Finance Committee of the LegCo. The TD would assess the feasibility of installing these cameras at Wan Po Road and other roads in Tseung Kwan O by reference to the relevant criteria.  The TD would consider providing driving improvement courses to drivers of large vehicles to enhance their driving skills. Since last year, the TD had been providing pre-service courses for PLB drivers who had passed the driving tests. They must complete the course before being issued the relevant licence.  The TD would actively discuss with the bus companies regarding the feasibility of integrating the Hong Kong eTransport mobile application with the real-time bus arrival information mobile application for the convenience of the public.  The TD would closely monitor the condition of the plastic bollards along the cycle tracks in Tseung Kwan O, and would replace the damaged ones more frequently.  A location would be listed as a traffic black spot if two fatal traffic accidents had occurred within five years. As the locations of the two fatal traffic accidents at O King Road were far apart and their road conditions greatly differed, the road was not listed as a black spot. Besides, O King Road was a private road. If the owners of the estate reckoned that cyclists from outside would affect the traffic there, they could consider forbidding outsiders from using that road section.

33. Mr. Frankie LAM hoped that the TD could provide a response regarding the traffic arrangement for residents up the hill.

34. Ms. Christine FONG hoped that the TD could provide a response regarding the feasibility of adopting a one-way toll collection approach at Tseung Kwan O Tunnel.

35. Mrs. Ingrid YEUNG, Commissioner for Transport, further responded as follows:  The TD would convey Members’ wish to have a railway station provided in the uphill area to relevant departments for consideration. The TD would closely monitor the service frequency of the feeder PLB service and take follow-up actions on those GMB operators with substandard performances. The TD would thoroughly follow up on this issue with the Members concerned after the meeting. Besides, the TD would explore with the Planning Department (PlanD), the CEDD and other relevant departments the feasibility of constructing an access road in the district.  A few years ago, the TD had invited the 18 District Councils to submit proposals on the hillside escalator links and elevators in their districts. It then took forward the ranked proposals progressively. The proposal for Tseung Kwan O was ranked 14th, and the proposals ranked 1st to 10th had all commenced. As the proposed works was relatively complicated, the departments concerned had conducted numerous site investigations and held discussions on slope maintenance. Hence, it would take some time before the works could commence.  One-way toll collection could only be adopted when the tunnel was the only access road to the district. At present, only North Lantau Highway met the criteria for adopting

- 16 - one-way toll collection. As Tseung Kwan O Tunnel was not the only access road to Tseung Kwan O, it would be difficult to implement. Besides, if the automatic electronic toll collection scheme was to be implemented at all tunnels in Hong Kong, an in-vehicle unit would have to be installed in each vehicle, which would give rise to privacy concerns. Hence, it would be difficult to implement the scheme territory-wide. However, starting from next year, all tunnels under the management of the Government would progressively adopt contactless electronic toll payment methods, e.g. payment by the Octopus Card. It was hoped that the traffic flow at the toll plaza of Tseung Kwan O Tunnel could be improved thereafter.

36. Mr. Francis CHAU hoped that the Commissioner could follow up on the official capacity of the TD representative at the TTC meeting. In particular, he hoped that officials of higher rank could attend the meeting to participate in the focus discussion and follow up the relevant issues, so as to handle the traffic problems of the district more effectively.

37. The Chairman thanked Mrs. Ingrid YEUNG, Commissioner for Transport, for attending the meeting. The Chairman said that the Commissioner had answered to the queries of Members regarding the traffic and transport issues of the district in general and had agreed to continue following up on the issues not responded to at the meeting.

38. The Chairman announced a recess of 5 minutes. (The meeting continued at 11:40 a.m.)

II. Hiram’s Highway Improvement Stage 2 Project (SKDC(M) Paper No. 203/16)

39. The Chairman welcomed:  Mr. WONG Siu-shun, Senior Engineer 5 / Central Wanchai Bypass, the HyD  Mr. Stephen MAK, Director, Meinhardt Infrastructure and Environment Limited

40. The Chairman asked Members to note that construction work under the Hiram’s Highway Improvement Stage 1 Project had commenced in March 2016. The latest information regarding the project was already uploaded to the pop up screen of the SKDC website.

41. The Chairman reminded Members that according to the arrangements and regulations of the SKDC in maintaining order at the meeting, displaying of any sign or banner, as well as chanting or clamouring of slogans would not be allowed inside the conference room. Apart from media workers, the attendees would not be allowed to take video or audio recordings. He hoped that the relevant Members would follow the SKDC Standing Orders and stop live streaming on the Internet.

42. Mr. WONG Siu-shun of the HyD said that since the commencement of the Hiram’s Highway Improvement Stage 1 Project construction work in March 2016, the HyD had continued to keep close liaison with the stakeholders along the route, such as Hiram’s Villa, Berkeley Bay Villa, Marina Cove, Ho Chung Village, Luk Mei Tsuen, Pak Wai Village, etc. and to provide regular updates to them regarding the progress of the project. Mr. WONG thanked the relevant Members for their support and assistance in communicating with the stakeholders. Staged resumption of land was currently carried out under the Stage 1 Project. Ground investigation was being carried out. Besides, the HyD would regularly trim the trees along the route to prevent overgrowth from causing inconvenience to the traffic or the

- 17 - pedestrians. At present, the work sites involved in the project were away from the carriageways. Hence, large scale temporary traffic diversion would not be needed at this stage. According to the current progress, it was expected that a small scale traffic diversion would be needed off Hiram’s Villa towards the end of 2016. By then, part of the roads would become narrower for constructing the noise barrier. It was expected that large scale traffic diversion would only be needed in late 2017.

43. Mr. WONG Siu-shun of the HyD and Mr. Stephen MAK of Meinhardt Infrastructure and Environment Limited gave a powerpoint presentation on the relevant paper.

44. Mr. HIEW Moo-siew asked whether a bottleneck would occur at Pak Wai after the completion of the Stage 1 Project. He hoped that the HyD could commence the Stage 2 Project as soon as possible. Besides, he would like to know more about the compensation arrangement for the squatters at Pak Sha Wan, Tai Chung Hau and by both sides of the road.

45. Mr. Philip LI said he and other Members had attended the public forum of Stage 2 Project and had received comments from residents. According to the paper, the section of Tai Mong Tsai Road would be a single two lane carriageway and road widening works would not be carried out there. Hence, he hoped that the HyD could promptly revise the layout plan to address residents’ requests. Besides, he considered that Stage 1 and Stage 2 Projects should commence simultaneously and the HyD should submit the detailed design of the junctions of all the villages affected by the Stage 2 Project to the SKDC for reference.

46. Ms. Christine FONG said she had attended the public forum of Stage 2 Project. She hoped that the HyD could consult local residents on a quarterly basis and provide the public with the consultancy report of the project for reference. While the bus bay off Pak Kong and the passing bay at Fuk Man Road would be widened, no improvement measures would be adopted between Pak Wai and Sha Ha. She hoped that the HyD could provide passing bays at the appropriate locations along the highway to alleviate the traffic congestion problem. Besides, she hoped that the HyD could provide speed arrester bed between Cheng Chek Chee Secondary School and Nam Ping Wai and divert the traffic of Sai Sha Road under the Stage 1 Project.

47. Mr. Francis CHAU said that, although the Stage 2 Project would not be regulated by the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance, gazetting or other procedures would still be carried out in accordance with the Roads (Works, Use and Compensation) Ordinance. Hence, he hoped that the Stage 2 Project could be implemented as soon as possible instead of waiting for the completion of the Stage 1 Project. He hoped that the HyD could communicate and exchange ideas with the Working Group on Hiram’s Highway Improvement Project regarding the progress of the project and the improved design of the bottleneck locations more frequently, with a view to further improving the design of the project.

48. Mr. LAI Ming-chak said he had attended the public forum. He pointed out that one of the causes of traffic congestion at Hiram’s Highway was the traffic light. Hence, he hoped that the HyD could actively consider constructing a footbridge or pedestrian crossing facility at appropriate locations of the highway to alleviate traffic congestion and for the safety of pedestrians.

49. Mr. LING Man-hoi said that it would take many years to complete the Stage 1 Project, whereas the Pak Wai to Hebe Haven section of the Stage 2 Project involved quite a number of

- 18 - complicated land resumption procedures. The whole project might take a few decades to complete. He hoped that the HyD could actively consider constructing a tunnel from Pak Wai to Tai Chung Hau to replace the existing four-lane improvement plan in order to speed up the resolution of the traffic congestion problem at Sai Kung.

50. Mr. WONG Siu-shun of the HyD responded that land resumption procedures had not yet commenced for the Stage 2 Project at the present stage. The HyD would take note of the land resumption experience gained from the Stage 1 Project for better co-ordination with the relevant departments to carry out the land resumption procedures. Regarding the suggestion for the Tai Mong Tsai Road section, the HyD would review the design of the proposed works by making reference to the comments received and revise the design if appropriate. Regarding the passing bays, the bottleneck, road facilities and the pedestrian crossing facilities, the HyD would continue to keep in close contact with the stakeholders and listen to the views of residents. He thanked all Members for their concern regarding the Stage 2 Project. He said that the HyD was currently analysing and considering the suggestions raised by the stakeholders at the public forum and would look into the feasibility of accepting those suggestions.

51. The Chairman said that the SKDC had not set up an ad hoc group to follow up on the matter when the Stage 1 Project commenced. Some unexpected situation occurred as a result. In this regard, the Working Group on Hiram’s Highway Improvement Project was set up at the beginning of the current term of the SKDC to facilitate the close connection and communication between stakeholders and the relevant departments. Besides, the Chairman hoped that the convenor of the Working Group could continue to lead and enhance the communication between the stakeholders and the relevant departments to prevent any unnecessary misunderstanding from happening again. The Chairman was grateful to the SKDO for assisting the HyD in holding a public forum on the Project on 22 October 2016, so as to let the affected residents have the chance to express their opinions to the relevant departments directly. The Chairman hoped that the HyD could discuss with the SKDO and the relevant SKDC Members before they conduct other consultation activities in the future, so that the works could be carried out more smoothly in the future.

52. Mr. CHAN Kai-wai said it was expected that after the widening of Hiram’s Highway, accidents would be prone to occur at some of the bends of the highway due to the high speed of vehicles. After widening to four lanes, pedestrians would find it even more difficult to cross the road. Hence, he hoped that the HyD could look into providing pedestrian crossing facilities at the appropriate locations. Besides, he hoped that the HyD could study carefully the design of the traffic signs, the junctions of villages, as well as the junctions of minor roads to prevent crashing with vehicles coming from the opposite lane.

53. Ms. Christine FONG said that at the public forum of the Stage 2 Project, residents suggested that the HyD should use tunnels instead of the four-lane design. Hence, she hoped that the HyD could actively consider the suggestion and construct a tunnel from Pak Wai to Sai Kung Town. Besides, she asked the HyD whether they would widen the existing bus stop before commencing the Stage 2 Project to alleviate the traffic congestion there.

54. Mr. WONG Siu-shun of the HyD responded that the HyD had already considered other improvement options (including tunnel) before looking further into the proposal of dual two-lane carriageway. Taking into account the pros and cons of each proposal, the HyD considered the dual two-lane carriageway would be preferable to other options. Besides,

- 19 - regarding Members’ concern about the traffic congestion before the implementation of the Stage 2 Project, the HyD would work with the TD to look into other measures to alleviate the traffic congestion in the short or medium term. As for the issues on road safety, the design of the Stage 2 project would comply with the existing road design standard. Central median would be provided along most of the road sections to separate the lanes of opposite directions. He thanked the SKDC and the SKDO for their support and assistance at the public forum on 22 October 2016.

55. Ms. Christine FONG had reservation about the dual two-lane carriageway proposal.

56. The Chairman pointed out that the SKDC had expressed its support to the HyD for adopting the dual two-lane carriageway proposal under the Stage 2 Project. Hence, he hoped that Members could understand that the HyD would not consider other options at this stage. The Chairman hoped that the TD, the HyD, the Police and the relevant departments could work together to support and speed up the Hiram’s Highway Improvement Project.

III. Confirmation of minutes of the 5th SKDC Meeting held on 6 September 2016

57. Mr. HIEW Moo-siew suggested amending paragraph 73 of the minutes of the last meeting from “with the queue of traffic stretching down to Ho Chung Bridge at its longest” to “with the queue of traffic stretching down from Ho Chung Bridge to Sai Kung Town at its longest”.

58. The Secretary responded that it was agreed unanimously at the special meeting on 19 January 2016 that any suggested amendments regarding the content of the minutes would have to be raised to the Secretariat in writing within the specified period. If Members failed to raise the proposed amendment or submit the actual phrase(s) for the amendment within the specified period, the proposed amendment would not be accepted.

59. The Chairman said that the proposed amendment raised by Mr. HIEW Moo-siew was not accepted. There being no amendments from Members, the Chairman declared that the captioned minutes and the corresponding voting result records were confirmed.

IV. Matters arising from the 5th SKDC Meeting held on 6 September 2016

(A) Follow-up on motions of the last meeting

60. The Chairman said that a total of 6 motions were endorsed at the last meeting. Letters were sent to the relevant organizations or departments to convey the requests of the SKDC arising from the endorsed motions. For details, please refer to paragraphs 25 to 30 and paragraphs 40 to 59 in the minutes of the last meeting. The Secretariat had emailed the relevant replies to SKDC Members and the replies were also uploaded to the SKDC website. The SKDC would continue to take note of those issues and delete the relevant issues accordingly at the next meeting.

V. Proposed Time-tables of Sai Kung District Council and Committee Meetings for 2017 (SKDC(M) Paper No. 204/16)

61. The Chairman asked Members to refer to the tentative time-tables of meetings for 2017. The second meeting of the Finance & Administration Committee (FAC) would be held on 6

- 20 - April 2017 (Thursday) so that the meeting could be held after the HAD confirmed the funding amount.

62. There being no objections from Members, the Chairman announced that the above time-tables were endorsed.

VI. Financial Position of District Council Funds as at 20 October 2016 (SKDC(M) Paper No. 205/16)

63. Members noted the relevant document.

VII. Progress Report of District Council Committees

(A) District Facilities Management Committee (B) Finance & Administration Committee (C) Housing & Environmental Hygiene Committee (D) Social Services & Healthy and Safe City Committee (E) Traffic & Transport Committee (F) Signature Project Scheme Committee (SKDC(M) Paper Nos. 206/16 – 211/16)

64. The Chairman asked Members to refer to paragraphs 7 and 8 of the FAC Progress Report regarding the allocation of the remaining Sai Kung Community Involvement Funds in 2016/17. The Secretariat was aware that the Tseung Kwan O (North) Area Committee, the Signature Project Scheme Committee and the Sai Kung District Building Management Promotion Committee planned to submit funding applications during the remaining time of the financial year. After deducting the above estimated additional expenditure and the funding amount granted by the FAC after vetting the applications on that day, it was estimated that there would be a remaining balance of about $464,000. The FAC had agreed to allocate an additional amount of $466,450 to “Lunar New Year Celebration” and “Lunar New Year Programme of Rural Culture”.

65. Members noted and endorsed the above reports.

VIII. Progress Report of Working Groups established under SKDC

(A) Working Group on Tourism & Economic Development (B) Working Group on Organizing Festival Celebrations (C) Working Group on Hiram’s Highway Improvement Project (SKDC(M) Paper Nos. 212/16 – 214/16)

66. Members noted and endorsed the above report.

IX. Progress Report of the Sai Kung District Management Committee (SKDC(M) Paper No. 215/16)

67. Members noted the above report.

- 21 -

X. Motions Presented by Members

(A) The 22 motions presented by Members:

(1) Request the MTR Corporation to improve its services, increase the train frequency upon the commissioning of the Kwun Tong Line extension and promptly provide toilets inside the paid area (SKDC(M) Paper No. 216/16)

68. The Chairman said that the motion was moved by Mr. CHAN Kai-wai and seconded by Ms. Christine FONG, Mr. Edwin CHEUNG and Mr. CHEUNG Mei-hung.

69. Members noted the written replies from the MTRC and the TD (SKDC(M) Paper Nos. 252/16 and 253/16).

70. Ms. Christine FONG said that while the TD expected that the works for adding toilets at MTR stations would complete between 2018 and 2021, she considered the completion date too late. SKDC Members visited Ho Man Tin and Whampoa Stations earlier. Toilets were available at these stations. Yet, toilets were not available at any of the stations along Tseung Kwan O Line. Passengers would have to use the staff toilets. She was disappointed that signs were not available at the Customer Service Centres to indicate where the toilet was.

71. There being no objections from Members, the Chairman declared that the motion was endorsed. The SKDC would notify the MTRC and the TD of the request in writing.

(2) Request the Government not to reduce other public transport services in the district upon the commissioning of the Kwun Tong Line extension (SKDC(M) Paper No. 217/16)

72. The Chairman said that the motion was moved by Mr. LAI Ming-chak and seconded by Mr. Gary FAN, Mr. LEUNG Li, Mr. CHUNG Kam-lun, Mr. LUI Man-kwong and Mr. Frankie LAM.

73. Members noted the written reply from the TD (SKDC(M) Paper No. 254/16).

74. There being no objections from Members, the Chairman declared that the motion was endorsed. The SKDC would notify the TD of the request in writing.

(3) Request the Transport Department to provide effective proposals to resolve the traffic problems at the hillside in Tseung Kwan O (North) including Hong Sing Garden, King Ming Court and Tsui Lam Estate (SKDC(M) Paper No. 218/16)

75. The Chairman said that the motion was moved by Mr. Frankie LAM and seconded by Mr. LUI Man-kwong, Mr. Gary FAN, Mr. LAI Ming-chak, Mr. CHUNG Kam-lun and Mr. LEUNG Li.

76. Members noted the written reply from the TD (SKDC(M) Paper No. 255/16).

77. Ms. Christine FONG said that she had written to the LegCo during the 2008 term of the SKDC to suggest enhancing the connection with housing estates up on the hill. The

- 22 - suggestions included the construction of upward escalator(s) between Hong Sing Garden and Po Hong Road. The project ranked 14th by that time. While the Commissioner for Transport had given positive response earlier, the works had been delayed for long. She hoped that the works could divert the traffic and provide residents residing up the hill with more choices. If the works could be completed promptly, this could reduce residents’ reliance on bus and minibus service. She pointed out that the development project at Anderson Road would make it more difficult for the residents of Hong Sing Garden, King Ming Court, Tsui Lam Estate, etc. in using public transportation services.

78. Mr. Frankie LAM hoped that the TD could attach importance to the transportation problem up the hill. He suggested reviewing and confirming the bus route rationalization plan as soon as possible.

79. There being no objections from Members, the Chairman declared that the motion was endorsed. The SKDC would notify the TD of the request in writing.

(4) Request to comprehensively review the public transport ancillary facilities in Tseung Kwan O (South) to cope with the increasing population in the future (SKDC(M) Paper No. 219/16)

80. The Chairman said that the motion was moved by Mr. LUI Man-kwong and seconded by Mr. Gary FAN, Mr. LEUNG Li, Mr. CHUNG Kam-lun, Mr. LAI Ming-chak and Mr. Frankie LAM.

81. Members noted the written replies from the MTRC and the TD (SKDC(M) Paper Nos. 252/16 and 256/16).

82. There being no objections from Members, the Chairman declared that the motion was endorsed. The SKDC would notify the TD and the MTRC of the request in writing.

(5) Request the Government to early install electronic devices at the Tseung Kwan O Tunnel and connecting roads to provide real-time traffic information to motorists (SKDC(M) Paper No. 220/16)

83. The Chairman said that the motion was moved by Mr. CHUNG Kam-lun and seconded by Mr. Gary FAN, Mr. LEUNG Li, Mr. LAI Ming-chak, Mr. LUI Man-kwong and Mr. Frankie LAM.

84. Members noted the written reply from the TD (SKDC(M) Paper No. 257/16).

85. There being no objections from Members, the Chairman declared that the motion was endorsed. The SKDC would notify the TD of the request in writing.

(6) Request to provide electronic road signs at Fuk Man Road for displaying the time required for leaving various road sections to enable motorists to select appropriate road sections, thereby alleviating the traffic congestion at Sai Kung town; and to consider re-routing some of the bus routes to Sai Kung via Sai Sha Road to relieve the road traffic burden of Hiram’s Highway (SKDC(M) Paper No. 221/16)

86. The Chairman said that the motion was moved by Mr. Philip LI and seconded by Mr.

- 23 - HIEW Moo-siew, Mr. Peter LAU and Mr. YAU Yuk-lun.

87. Members noted the written reply from the TD (SKDC(M) Paper No. 258/16).

88. Ms. Christine FONG said that the TD should promptly consider installing electronic systems to alleviate the congestion problem at Hiram’s Highway. She had suggested installing electronic display boards in the 2008 term of the SKDC. The DMFC at that time said that the HyD would carry out the works. Yet, all through these almost nine years, none of the works had been carried out. She suggested installing electronic display boards at the trunk roads of Sai Kung, and Sai Sha Road etc. to alleviate the traffic congestion which had been troubling the residents there. She considered that the TD should promptly confirm the plan.

89. There being no objections from Members, the Chairman declared that the motion was endorsed. The SKDC would notify the TD of the request in writing.

(7) Request immediate suspension of the expansion of the bus stop at Fu Ning Garden in view of the great controversies over the works and relaunch of a consultation exercise (The Motion was amended as “Request the Traffic & Transport Committee (which has been following up this issue) and the relevant departments to improve and continue following up on the expansion of the bus stop at Fu Ning Garden”) (SKDC(M) Paper No. 222/16)

90. The Chairman said that the motion was moved by Mr. LUK Ping-choi and seconded by Mr. TSE Ching-fung.

91. Members noted the written replies from the EPD, the SKDO and the TD (SKDC(M) Paper Nos. 259/16, 260/16 and 269/16).

92. Mr. Jonathan CHAN was delighted to see that a lot of residents were concerned about their housing estate . He moved a motion to amend it as “Request the Traffic & Transport Committee (which has been following up this issue) and the relevant departments to improve and continue following up on the expansion of the bus stop at Fu Ning Garden”. This was seconded by Mr. Peter LAU.

93. Mr. Frankie LAM said some of the estates expressed that they had not received the consultation documents. He hoped to know the issuing date or other records related to the consultation document. He also had such experience before and only became aware of this after other estates or stakeholders reminded him. He had to ask the SKDO for the consultation documents.

94. The Chairman said that, regarding the expansion of the bus stop at Fu Ning Garden, up till now, the Secretariat had received an email from the owners’ corporation of Fu Ning Garden on 28 October 2016 which expressed their support to the project. The SKDO had received 2,000 emails from the residents of Fu Ning Garden from August to September 2016 which expressed their support to the project. At the same time, the Secretariat had received two letters with 700 signatures or so from the Fu Ning Garden Concern Group (富寧花園關 注組) as well as about 820 emails with identical content, doubting the need to expand the bus stop by 47 metres. It was pointed out that the impact of removing six trees inside the planters was too large and the project should be shelved.

- 24 -

95. The Chairman continued to say that he had met with the representatives of the TD, the HyD and the Kowloon Motor Bus Company Limited (KMB) at an informal meeting on 24 October 2016 to discuss the project. The departments said that they would submit different proposals to the TTC for re-examination. If needed, the TTC or the Members who cared about this project could communicate with the residents directly.

96. Mr. Peter KWOK, Assistant District Officer (Sai Kung)1 said that the consultation regarding the expansion of the bus stop at Fu Ning Garden was listed in details in SKDC (M) Paper No. 260/16. The SKDO had all along been following the established mechanism to conduct consultation regarding different projects, including the projects endorsed by the SKDC. This mechanism had all along been effective.

97. The Chairman said that he had exchanged views with the representatives of the Concern Group regarding the expansion of the bus stop at Fu Ning Garden and heard different views. The TD, the HyD and the KMB all hoped that different proposals could be submitted at the TTC meeting on 17 November for Members to continue to discuss the issue.

98. Mr. CHUNG Kam-lun said that after conducting site inspection, a consensus was reached among Members. It was hoped that the TD could provide more data regarding the traffic flow of the bus stop. Quite a number of Members were concerned about the intervals between different bus departures, which could help to decide the length needed for the bus stop. He said that, as the TD had not provided such information, he did not have any specific views regarding the revised motion raised by Mr. Jonathan CHAN. He would cast an abstention vote in this regard. He suggested that the TD should provide more information at the upcoming TTC meeting for reference by the public.

99. Mr. LUK Ping-choi said that there were still quite a lot of areas regarding the project that were unclear. He pointed out that some people commented that after the expansion, school buses and nanny vans would be allowed to pick up or drop off passengers there. Hence, they need to consider whether this could be a reason to justify for the expansion of the bus stop to the proposed length. He asked if the plan to let school buses and nanny vans pick up or drop off passengers were to be cancelled, could the length of the bus stop be shortened. While residents would need to have the bus stop expanded to some extent, the key issue was in the length of the expansion. Hence, he agreed to refer the motion to the TTC for follow up.

100. Mr. CHEUNG Mei-hung supported both the original and the revised motions. He agreed with the suggestion in the original motion that the consultation work should be stepped up. The current issue occurred due to the controversy arising during the consultation period. He asked whether the works was already suspended and would only be resumed if a consensus could be reached. He asked about the wordings of the revised motion.

101. The Secretary said that the amendment was moved by Mr. Jonathan CHAN and seconded by Mr. Peter LAU. The motion was amended as “Request the Traffic & Transport Committee (which has been following up this issue) and the relevant departments to improve and continue following up on the expansion of the bus stop at Fu Ning Garden”.

102. Mr. Joseph TSUI, Chief Transport Officer / Goods Vehicle, TD said that different proposals would be submitted to the SKDC in due course. The works was suspended until a consensus could be reached at the SKDC.

- 25 -

103. Ms. Chistine FONG welcomed the fact that the TD would resume the works after looking into the situation. She said that the bus stop expansion had no direct relationship with the cutting of trees. She considered that the trees would not have to be affected by the expansion. She believed that it was related to the cost of the works. She supported the expansion of the Fu Ning Garden bus stop and suggested that the TD should provide more resources to relocate the large trees to somewhere else in the district, e.g. Wan Po Road.

104. The Chairman asked Members to vote on the amendment moved by Mr. Jonathan CHAN.

105. Mr. WAN Yuet-cheung said that he had voted for the motion but this was not shown in the voting results.

106. The Chairman concluded the voting results as follows: 17 votes in favour of the motion (including 1 vote from Mr. WAN Yuet-cheung), 1 vote against it and 9 abstentions.

107. The Chairman declared that the amendment moved by Mr. Jonathan CHAN was endorsed. The SKDC would notify the EPD, the SKDO and the TD of the request in writing. The issue would be referred to the TTC for follow up.

108. Mr. LUK Ping-choi said that the colour of the fonts and the background of the voting result display board look alike. He asked the Secretariat to adjust the colour after the meeting so that it would be easier for Members to check the results.

(8) Request the Transport Department to improve the environment of the waiting area of the Public Transport Interchange, including the improvement of ventilation and provision of seats (SKDC(M) Paper No. 223/16)

109. The Chairman said that the motion was moved by Mr. LEUNG Li and seconded by Mr. Gary FAN, Mr. CHUNG Kam-lun, Mr. LUI Man-kwong, Mr. LAI Ming-chak and Mr. Frankie LAM.

110. Members noted the written reply from the TD (SKDC(M) Paper No. 261/16).

111. There being no objections from Members, the Chairman declared that the motion was endorsed. The SKDC would notify the TD of the request in writing.

(9) Request the government departments to promptly improve and enhance the pavement along both sides of Clear Water Bay Road (from Clear Water Bay Road and New Clear Water Bay Road to Hong Kong University of Science and Technology) to enable residents to fully utilize the pavement for jogging and outdoor activities on foot (SKDC(M) Paper No. 224/16)

112. The Chairman said that the motion was moved by Mr. YAU Yuk-lun and seconded by Mr. HIEW Moo-siew and Mr. Philip LI.

113. Members noted the written replies from the Drainage Services Department (DSD), the FEHD and the TD (SKDC(M) Paper Nos. 243/16, 244/16 and 262/16).

- 26 - 114. Ms. Christine FONG said that during the 2012 term of the SKDC, quite a number of residents in the Clear Water Bay area had commented that the pavement along Clear Water Bay Road had been fragmented. This problem had been there for more than 20 years. Government departments like the HyD seldom allocated resources to improve Clear Water Bay Road. Some of the signs were even erected thoughtlessly on the pavement, e.g. pedestrians were blocked by the signs erected right in the middle of the pavement at Clear Water Bay and Pak Shek Terrace. This had to be improved.

115. Mr. Frankie LAM suggested that apart from writing to the TD, they could refer the motion to the TTC for follow up.

116. The Chairman said that the motion would be referred to the TTC for follow up as needed. There being no objections from Members, the Chairman declared that the motion was endorsed. The SKDC would notify the DSD, the FEHD and the TD of the request in writing.

(10) Request to formulate the transport development blueprint for Tseung Kwan O (SKDC(M) Paper No. 225/16)

117. The Chairman said that the motion was moved by Mr. TSE Ching-fung and seconded by Mr. LUK Ping-choi.

118. Members noted the written reply from the TD (SKDC(M) Paper No. 263/16).

119. Mr. TSE Ching-fung said that regarding point 3 of the written reply, the TD said that passengers from Yau Tong to Quarry Bay could get on the first two arriving trains. Yet, some residents had said that during the peak hours from 8:00 to 8:45 a.m., they might need to wait for the fourth to the sixth train at North Point Station before they could get on a train to Kennedy Town. In case the TD was not sure about the situation, he could conduct a site inspection with representatives of the TD and the staff of the MTRC. Besides, he disagreed with the last part of the written reply which said that with the launch of the Shatin to Central Link, the overloading problem of Tseung Kwan O Line could be alleviated. Residents from Kowloon East seldom took Tseung Kwan O Line for interchanging trains to Island Line. As Tseung Kwan O Line had been very busy by itself, most people would take the Kwun Tong Line (towards Yau Ma Tei) and interchange trains to Tsuen Wan Line for going to Hong Kong Island. In view of this, he asked how the Shatin Central Link could alleviate the overloading problem of Tseung Kwan O Line during the rush hours.

120. Ms. Christine FONG said Tseung Kwan O Area 137 was mentioned in the motion document and some Members had requested the Government to provide a schedule. She pointed out that LOHAS Park would become a new town with a population of about 100,000. She enquired about the transport arrangement for Tseung Kwan O Area 137. She considered it necessary to increase the service frequency of the trains from LOHAS Park to North Point Station, as the population at LOHAS Park had reached 50,000. The trains not reaching its capacity should not be the reason for not increasing the service frequency. In order not to compete for the resources with the residents of Hang Hau, she suggested increasing the service frequency of Tseung Kwan O Line as a whole to solve the problem faced by young people going to work during the morning rush hours. She supported devising a direction for the development blueprint and asked the TD to consider the suggestions raised by Members.

121. There being no objections from Members, the Chairman declared that the motion was

- 27 - endorsed. The SKDC would notify the TD of the request in writing. He asked the TD to follow up on the comments raised by Members at the meeting and make reference to those comments when formulating the development blueprint in the future.

(11) Request the Government to improve the works arrangements for the Tseung Kwan O-Lam Tin Tunnel and promptly change the means of disposal of construction and demolition wastes all by marine transport (SKDC(M) Paper No. 226/16)

122. The Chairman said that the motion was moved by Mr. CHAN Kai-wai and seconded by Ms. Christine FONG, Mr. Edwin CHEUNG and Mr. CHEUNG Mei-hung.

123. Members noted the written reply from the CEDD (SKDC(M) Paper No. 270/16).

124. Mr. CHAN Kai-wai had other comments regarding the written reply from the CEDD. He said that the CEDD should promptly use marine transport to remove all the construction waste, so that some 100 dump trucks would no longer need to drive through the area of Tiu Keng Leng every day which caused problems to the traffic there. Regarding the details of the project, he was worried that the large volume of vehicles driving through the emergency vehicular access might touch on the grey area. He asked if complaints, conflicts or claims arose, whether the Board of Management of the Chinese Permanent Cemeteries (BMCPC) or the CEDD should be contacted. Besides, a speed limit of 15 km/hour was imposed on that road section. Yet, he found quite a lot of speeding cases there. He asked the CEDD to explain whether the speed limit was still in force and how could this problem be handled.

125. Mr. Eric CHIANG, Chief Engineer / NTE1, CEDD replied that disposal of construction waste by marine transport was the primary objective of the CEDD. However, in order to complete the works as soon as possible, the CEDD would dispose of the construction waste by land transport before the temporary marine transport facilities were in place. The use of BMCPC access was a temporary arrangement only. The BMCPC access of 6 meters wide was used as emergency vehicles and the public access. During the construction period, water-filled barriers would be temporarily placed there to separate pedestrians and vehicles along the access for road safety enhancement purposes. The temporary carriageway section would be maintained with a width of 4 metres and the CEDD would impose strict speed restrictions. Should there be any complaints regarding the construction vehicles, the CEDD and the contractors would be responsible to handle them.

126. There being no objections from Members, the Chairman declared that the motion was endorsed. The SKDC would notify the CEDD of the request in writing.

(12) Request to allow New Territories taxis (green taxis) to pick up / drop off passengers at Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Tseung Kwan O Po Ning Road Maternal and Child Health Centre and Sai Kung Tseung Kwan O Government Complex (SKDC(M) Paper No. 227/16)

127. The Chairman said that the motion was moved by Mr. HIEW Moo-siew and seconded by Mr. WONG Shui-sang, Mr. Philip Li, Mr. Peter LAU and Mr. YAU Yuk-lun.

128. Members noted the written reply from the TD (SKDC(M) Paper No. 264/16).

129. There being no objections from Members, the Chairman declared that the motion was

- 28 - endorsed. The SKDC would notify the TD and the Hospital Authority (HA) of the request in writing.

130. Ms. Christine FONG said that while the Commission for Transport had responded to the suggestion just now, the TD had not promised to alter the operating area of NT taxis. In fact, quite a lot of Members considered that there was an urgent need to let NT taxis to have access to Tseung Kwan O Hospital and the maternal and child health centre. She pointed out that, it was written in the reply of the TD that the Government had no intention to adjust the operating area of NT taxis. However, according to a LegCo paper in 2007, some Members had accomplished in improving the pick up / drop off point of NT taxis in Hang Hau. She thought that it all depended on how keen the LegCo Panel on Transport was to fight for the benefits of the district. It was disappointing to see that no progress was achieved. She considered the above suggestion necessary and suggested writing to the TD to fight for it.

131. Mr. Philip LI said that as the TD had responded to the motion, he suggested writing to the Chief Executive or the THB to further follow up on the issue.

132. The Chairman said that Members could follow up the suggestion through the Legislative Councillors of the New Territories East constituency. Regardless whether they would write to the Chief Executive or the THB or not, the motion would still be followed up by the TD.

(13) Urge the Government to expeditiously implement the proposal to provide a general out-patient clinic in the government offices building at Area 67 in Tseung Kwan O to address the pressing needs and sense the urgency of the people (SKDC(M) Paper No. 228/16)

133. The Chairman said that the motion was moved by Mr. CHONG Yuen-tung and seconded by Mr. KAN Siu-kei, Mr. WAN Yuet-cheung, Mr. CHAN Kai-wai and Mr. Edwin CHEUNG.

134. There being no objections from Members, the Chairman declared that the motion was endorsed. The SKDC would notify the HA of the request in writing.

135. As the content of motions (14) and (15) were related, there being no objections from Members, the Chairman suggested combining the motions for discussion.

(14) Request the Government to ensure, when considering an amendment to Planning Application No. A/TKO/107, that the entire footbridge across Wan Po Road connecting to Nos. 1-3, Shek Kok Road should be a covered walkway and space would be reserved for building a shopping centre in order to meet the daily needs of residents in the district (SKDC(M) Paper No. 229/16)

136. The Chairman said that the motion was moved by Mr. Jonathan CHAN and seconded by Mr. CHONG Yuen-tung and Mr. KAN Siu-kei.

(15) Object to the design of the footbridges between Shek Kok Road and Wan Po Road being “disconnected”, without cover and the unjustified decrease in the number of parking spaces in the district (SKDC(M) Paper No. 230/16)

- 29 - 137. The Chairman said that the motion was moved by Mr. CHEUNG Mei-hung and seconded by Mr. CHAN Kai-wai, Ms. Christine FONG and Mr. Edwin CHEUNG. 138. Members noted the written replies from the PlanD, the MTRC and the TD (SKDC(M) Paper Nos. 245/16, 246/16, 252/16 and 265/16).

139. There being no objections from Members, the Chairman declared that the above motions were endorsed. Regarding Motion (14), the SKDC would notify the PlanD of the request in writing. Regarding Motion (15), the SKDC would notify the PlanD, the MTRC and the TD of the request in writing.

140. Ms. Christine FONG said that the footbridges linking Shek Kok Road and Wan Po Road was the major footbridges that served the Beaumount I, II and III and the LOHAS Park. The Town Planning Board (TPB) received several hundred documents earlier requesting the TPB to consider constructing a permanent covered footbridge and avoid a design that would make the public unable to use the footbridge. She had collected views from the public regarding the proposal. It was hoped that the whole access could be improved and installed with cover and the parking spaces in the district would not need to be reduced. As the Commissioner expressed her understanding earlier during the meeting that parking spaces of all sorts were inadequate in the district, she hoped that the north bridge, the south bridge and another north bridge at Shek Kok Road could be completed as soon as possible. She considered that the SKDC, the PlanD and the TPB had to attach importance to the aspirations of residents. She continued to say that, when the representative of the relevant developer discussed with the District Lands Office / Sai Kung (DLO/SK), she strongly requested that the maintenance fee should not be borne by the property owners. The DLO/SK had accepted the suggestion. She hoped that this point could be recorded here.

(16) Request to provide a timetable for developing Tseung Kwan O Area 137 with comprehensive supporting facilities (SKDC(M) Paper No. 231/16)

141. The Chairman said that the motion was moved by Ms. Christine FONG and seconded by Mr. CHAN Kai-wai, Mr. CHEUNG Mei-hung and Mr. Edwin CHEUNG.

142. Members noted the written reply from the Development Bureau (DEVB) (SKDC(M) Paper No. 247/16).

143. Mr. CHEUNG Mei-hung hoped that the PlanD could provide a more detailed reply, including whether the study had started, as well as the arrangement for the fill bank in response to the residential and commercial development in the future.

144. Ms. Donna TAM, District Planning Officer / Sai Kung & Islands, PlanD said that the written reply from the DEVB had provided information regarding the status of the consultancy study. The preliminary work for the commencement of the study was currently in progress, it was expected that the study could commence in late 2016 or early 2017. We would take into account the recommendations from the consultancy study with comprehensive considerations when designing the future land use of Tseung Kwan O Area 137. Upon the formulation of land use options, the SKDC and the local stakeholders would be consulted during the public engagement exercise of the consultancy study.

145. Mr. Francis CHAU said that the SKDC hoped that comprehensive planning could be conducted on a larger piece of land and they did not agree with the “needle-insertion” style of

- 30 - constructing residential buildings at different locations. Hence, Members hoped that other “needle-insertion” style development would not be under the consultancy study, or let “needle-insertion” style developments affect the green belt zone as well as the overall layout. He hoped that the PlanD could take note of these comments.

146. There being no objections from Members, the Chairman declared that the motion was endorsed. The SKDC would notify the DEVB of the request in writing. The PlanD was asked to take note of Members’ comments.

(17) Request the Government to first develop brownfield sites and set up an open database for brownfield sites (The Motion was amended as “Request the Government to comprehensively increase land supply (including the development of brownfield sites), to set up a public database on brownfield sites and to properly rehouse the business and residents on the brownfield sites”) (SKDC(M) Paper No. 232/16)

147. The Chairman said that the motion was moved by Mr. Gary FAN and seconded by Mr. LUI Man-kwong, Mr. LEUNG Li, Mr. CHUNG Kam-lun, Mr. LAI Ming-chak and Mr. Frankie LAM.

148. Members noted the written reply from the DEVB (SKDC(M) Paper No. 248/16).

149. Mr. Philip LI supported the act to locate more developable land. However, the original motion suggested giving priority to brownfield sites. This implied that before developing brownfield sites, other types of land could not be developed. He considered this inappropriate as there were different development directions available apart from brownfield site. He also did not hope that the brownfield sites in Sai Kung would all be used for constructing buildings. He moved a motion to amend it as “Request the Government to comprehensively increase land supply (including the development of brownfield sites), to set up a public database on brownfield sites and to properly rehouse the business and residents on the brownfield sites”. This was seconded by Mr. YAU Yuk-lun.

150. Mr. Gary FAN said he would cast an abstention vote to the revised motion, as setting priority in land development could avoid disputes. He had stated clearly in the original motion that the case of Wang Chau at Yuen Long was a very typical example. If the Government had not set priorities during the housing development process, massive disputes would occur if local residents or job opportunities would be affected during the land resumption process. This would not be cost effective. Hence, it was necessary to develop brownfield site first. He considered that recreational facilities and golf courses currently used by the high income group should be developed first, instead of country parks and green belts. Hence, the idea of “multi-channels” in land development was not appropriate. He pointed out that the revised motion moved by Mr. Philip LI contradicted with the stance of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong expressed for multiple times at the LegCo and other channels (in particular during the LegCo election) which stated that they agreed with developing brownfield sites first. He said that they should not change their views frequently. The suggestion did not comply with the aim to expand the overall land resources of Hong Kong for building houses. He hoped to explain clearly why he cast an abstention vote for record purposes.

151. Mr. CHONG Yuen-tung said that Mr. Gary FAN had mistaken the suggestion of Mr.

- 31 - Philip LI. He said that the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong had supported the Government to make use of various means and methods in different occasions to seek a solution by all means to solve the housing problems. He pointed out that the Government had never said that the supply of housing units had to be reduced in the Wang Chau case. He said that the wordings in the original motion were misleading. He believed that the Chief Executive had already expressed his views clearly at the press conference. Besides, due to the limited supply of land in Hong Kong, the Government was developing through different means at different locations. As the Government did not have a comprehensive policy on the development of brownfield sites and a variety of businesses could be found on brownfield sites which involved issues related to property rights, residents’ rights and livelihood, etc., it would take the Government some time to handle to avoid arousing grievances from the public. He thought that it would be beneficial to the overall land reserve in the future if the Government strived for an all-round land development in Hong Kong.

152. Ms. Christine FONG said that the land development of Hong Kong should not only be limited to brownfield sites, government lands, caverns, land reclamation, etc. All the land in the territory should be included in the discussion instead of setting a priority. For instance, after the removal of the aeration tank of the Tseung Kwan O Sewage Treatment Works, she had suggested constructing a municipal services building. Yet, some political parties suggested constructing a data centre. She said that the scope of both the original and the revised motions were quite narrow, hence she would cast an abstention vote later on. Regarding the Wang Chau case mentioned in the motion document, the fact was that both the authorities and the council members concerned had been neglectful and handled the case inappropriately. Hence, she considered that higher transparency should be provided. Apart from Wang Chau of Yuen Long, some people considered that the area of Shung Him Tong Village in Fanling was too small and was not attached much importance by LegCo Members. However, as development did not necessarily mean that villagers would be affected, after discussing with the CEDD, she managed to assist in reducing the number of affected households at Shung Him Tong Village from 54 to 12. This showed that problems could be resolved through negotiation. This case could serve as a reference in increasing land supply.

153. The Chairman asked Members to vote on the amendment moved by Mr. Philip LI.

154. The Chairman concluded the voting results as follows: 13 votes in favour of the motion, 0 vote against it and 10 abstentions.

155. The Chairman declared that the amendment moved by Mr. Philip LI was endorsed. The SKDC would notify the DEVB of the request in writing.

(18) Request the Government to expeditiously implement the proposal to increase the seating capacity of mini-buses and introduce more mini-buses of low-floor design (SKDC(M) Paper No. 233/16)

156. The Chairman said that the motion was moved by Mr. LEUNG Li and seconded by Mr. Gary FAN, Mr. CHUNG Kam-lun, Mr. LUI Man-kwong, Mr. LAI Ming-chak and Mr. Frankie LAM.

157. Members noted the written reply from the TD (SKDC(M) Paper No. 266/16).

- 32 - 158. There being no objections from Members, the Chairman declared that the motion was endorsed. The SKDC would notify the TD of the request in writing.

(19) Request to expeditiously conduct the Fourth Comprehensive Transport Study (SKDC(M) Paper No. 234/16)

159. The Chairman said that the motion was moved by Mr. LUK Ping-choi and seconded by Mr. TSE Ching-fung. 160. Members noted the written reply from the TD (SKDC(M) Paper No. 267/16).

161. There being no objections from Members, the Chairman declared that the motion was endorsed. The SKDC would notify the TD of the request in writing.

(20) Request the Government to consider extending the General Out-patient Clinic Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Programme to benefit more patients so that the effectiveness of the PPP programmes in healthcare services will be enhanced (SKDC(M) Paper No. 235/16)

162. The Chairman said that the motion was moved by Mr. Jonathan CHAN and seconded by Mr. AU Ning-fat, Mr. WAN Kai-ming and Mr. Peter LAU.

163. There being no objections from Members, the Chairman declared that the motion was endorsed. The SKDC would notify the HA of the request in writing.

(21) Request the Social Welfare Department to pay attention to the operation, supporting services and the assessment mechanism of the Pilot Scheme on Community Care Service Voucher for the Elderly in Sai Kung and to improve the community care network (SKDC(M) Paper No. 236/16)

164. The Chairman said that the motion was moved by Mr. CHONG Yuen-tung and seconded by Mr. Stanley TAM, Mr. KAN Siu-kei, Mr. Jonathan CHAN and Mr. WAN Kai-ming.

165. Members noted the written reply from the Social Welfare Department (SWD) (SKDC(M) Paper No. 268/16).

166. There being no objections from Members, the Chairman declared that the motion was endorsed. The SKDC would notify the SWD of the request in writing.

(22) Request the Education Bureau to run subsidized veterinary bachelor degree programmes (SKDC(M) Paper No. 237/16)

167. The Chairman said that the motion was moved by Mr. Frankie LAM and seconded by Mr. LUI Man-kwong, Mr. Gary FAN, Mr. LAI Ming-chak, Mr. CHUNG Kam-lun and Mr. LEUNG Li.

168. Members noted the written reply from the Education Bureau (EDB) (SKDC(M) Paper No. 249/16).

169. There being no objections from Members, the Chairman declared that the motion was

- 33 - endorsed. The SKDC would notify the EDB of the request in writing.

(B) The four questions raised by Members:

(1) Urge the Government to disclose the details of the caverns at Black Hill and to work out the blueprint and timetable for the development of the area (SKDC(M) Paper No. 238/16)

170. The Chairman said that the question was raised by Mr. HO Man-kit.

171. Mr. Eric CHIANG of the CEDD said that as the master plan on caverns was not yet announced, the CEDD would need some time to handle the subject issue. When preparing the master plan on cavern, the CEDD would be prudent in handling the Black Hill issue.

172. Mr. Raymond HO said that he raised that question because the relevant information was not available online. As the development of the cavern at Black Hill fell within the purview of the SKDC, he hoped to remind the CEDD via the SKDC that the SKDC should be consulted. He asked the CEDD to provide more details about the cavern of Black Hill.

173. The Chairman asked the CEDD to provide a written reply after the meeting.

(2) Enquire about the detailed progress of the plan to upgrade Tseung Kwan O to a police district at present (SKDC(M) Paper No. 239/16)

174. The Chairman welcomed:  Mr. Stephen HANDLEY, Senior Superintendent of Police (Project) (Kowloon East Regional HQ), Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF)  Mr. Mark YEUNG, Executive Officer (Project) Kowloon East Regional HQ, HKPF

175. The Chairman said that the question was raised by Mr. CHONG Yuen-tung, Mr. Jonathan CHAN, Mr. LING Man-hoi, Mr. WAN Kai-ming and Mr. YAU Yuk-lun.

176. Members noted the written reply from the HKPF (SKDC(M) Paper No. 250/16).

177. Mr. Philip LI suggested including Sai Kung in the Tseung Kwan O Division after its upgrading for the convenience of management.

178. Ms. Christine FONG supported the upgrading of Tseung Kwan O Division as an independent police district. She expressed her regret about the proposal being rejected by the LegCo. She hoped that the Police could take note of the burglary cases occurring recently in the district, covering the housing estates and village houses in the area of Hang Hau and Clear Water Bay, some of which were within the Wong Tai Sin police district. She hoped that Tseung Kwan O Division could be upgraded as an independent police district and that the HKPF could promptly provide the detailed progress and the manpower allocation and reorganize the resources, as the population of Tseung Kwan O had been expanding with new development. This had relatively reduced the patrolling power of the district. Apart from burglary cases, the traffic section of the HKPF had been exhausted in tackling the transit skip problem. She hoped that legislative amendments could be made to deal with this issue. She commended the patrolling team of the HKPF for having arrested the suspects for the illegal felling of incense trees.

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179. Mr. CHONG Yuen-tung said that most Members and residents hoped that the suggestion to upgrade Tseung Kwan O Division could be realized. As Sai Kung and Tseung Kwan O belonged to the same administrative region, many issues had to be dealt with together. Hence, he suggested merging Sai Kung into the Tseung Kwan O Police District to facilitate cooperation and enhance efficiency. Besides, he thanked the HKPF for their efforts in fighting crime in the district. While the manpower of the police had increased, the communication between the community liaison officer of the police and SKDC Members had reduced recently. He guessed that was due to the redeployment of manpower. He hoped that the HKPF could enhance their communication with the local corporations, mutual aid committees as well as SKDC Members. He believed that this could help the police in understanding the local situation better.

180. Mr. KAN Siu-kei said that the development scale of Tseung Kwan O was getting larger with an expanding population. Yet, the setting up of an independent police district which they had been striving for years was rejected. In view of the deteriorating law and order in various areas of the district (increase in cases of burglary, debt-collection at door, etc. as compared to last year), he hoped that the Police could pay more attention to the activities of debt-collection agencies. Take his constituency as an example, quite a lot of residents were harassed by debt-collection agencies without a reason. Some people even lost their job because of this. He said that there was an urgent need to upgrade Tseung Kwan O Division as an independent police district. He asked if the manpower of the Police had decreased.

181. Mr. CHUNG Kam-lun said that the infrastructure of the Kowloon East Regional Headquarters was mentioned in the written reply of the Police. In the previous term of the SKDC, representatives from the HKPF had discussed the issue with the SKDC. At that time, Members were concerned that there would be an interval of a few years between the completion of the Headquarters and the upgrading of Tseung Kwan O Division as an independent police district originally planned for 2015. The Police responded at that time that they would arrange space for storing the facilities of the Kowloon East Regional Headquarters. He would like to know the progress of this. Secondly, he had called the report room of the Tseung Kwan O Police Station due to some issues but the waiting time was unsatisfactory. It sometimes took as long as 40 minutes before someone picked up the phone. He hoped the Police could properly deploy their manpower. Thirdly, complaints against illegal parking had increased recently. While the Police said that the manpower for Tseng Kwan O Division had increased, as far as he knew, Tseung Kwan O had to share the manpower of Traffic Warden with Kwun Tong District. He urged the police to deploy more Traffic Wardens to Tseung Kwan O.

182. Mr. Raymond HO said that apart from setting up an independent police district, he had all along been concerned about the progress of constructing a police station at the reserved land of Tiu Keng Leng. He hoped the Police could provide a schedule on upgrading Tseung Kwan O Division as an independent police district and replied whether the construction of Tiu Keng Leng Police Station would continue to be implemented, or that piece of land would be used by other government departments.

183. Mr. CHEUNG Mei-hung welcomed the increase of 100 staff posts by the Police. However, when the public call Tseung Kwan O Police Station for non-emergency cases, it was quite often that no one was answering the call. He hoped that the Police could improve this situation. Besides, many members of the public told him that noise problem and damage

- 35 - of government properties and wire mesh often occurred at the recycling yard of Wan Po Road. After complaining and reporting to the Police, they just sent officers to the site for patrolling with no follow up actions. He hoped the Police could actively combat such illegal activities and monitor closely the recycling yard at Wan Po Road.

184. Mr. LAI Ming-chak said that the recruitment exercise for the 100 new posts for the upgrading of police district had completed in February 2016. Even though the plan for the construction of the Kowloon East Regional Headquarters and the operational base had not been rejected in 2015, the project might not be completed in February 2016 to accommodate the facilities of Kowloon East and provide space for the newly recruited police officer to work. Hence, he would like to know if extra space was arranged to accommodate the staff at Kowloon East Region who were supposed to work at Tseung Kwan O Police Station. Besides, he asked if the Police had any plan to provide more manpower for Tseung Kwan O Police Station and continue recruiting more Traffic Wardens and traffic police to combat the illegal parking problem which had been very severe in Tseung Kwan O. The TD had said that even though the relevant legislations were there, the deterrent effect would still be reduced without law enforcement by the Police.

185. Mr. CHAN Kai-wai said that in the previous term of the SKDC, he had moved a motion requesting to upgrade Tseung Kwan O as an independent police district. The motion was endorsed unanimously by the SKDC but was rejected by the LegCo. He thought that given insufficient resources, the HKPF would not be able to construct a police station and increase their manpower. Hence, he hoped that the LegCo could reconsider providing more funding in this regard. He pointed out that there was a recent increasing trend in speeding and dangerous driving problems. He hoped that the Police could pay more attention to this issue. Some residents told him that when they complained to the Police, they were asked to provide evidence (e.g. video and number plate) before their complaints would be handled. To prevent casualties, he urged the Police to work with the complainants as far as possible with a view to arresting the offenders as soon as possible.

186. Mr. Stephen HANDLEY, Senior Superintendent of Police (Projects) (Kowloon East Regional HQ), HKPF introduced himself and said that he was attending the meeting on behalf of Mr. SIU Kit-hung, Chief Superintendent of Police (Projects) (Kowloon East Regional HQ) on a temporary basis. He thanked Members for their comments. District policing issues mentioned like crime, landfill site, Traffic Wardens, as well as the time needed for the Tseung Kwan O Police Station to pick up phone calls, etc. would be referred to the Kwun Tong District for follow up. The upgrading of Tseung Kwan O Division as an independent police district involved very complicated procedures. The Police had been handling this issue step by step. As mentioned by Members, the Police had increased 100 posts and the officers were already deployed to Tseung Kwan O Police Station, so as to increase the manpower there to handle crime cases and strengthen the uniformed patrolling force. The HKPF had also increased the manpower of Kwun Tong District and Tseung Kwan O Division through the deployment of Police Tactical Unit and the Emergency Unit. He pointed out that the issues to be dealt with at present included the relocation of the offices of the headquarters from Tseung Kwan O Police Station to Kai Tak. The site at Kai Tak was handed over to the contractor in July for commencing the works. Should there be no delay in the works, it might take roughly three to four years to complete. The HKPF had been actively relocating the offices, the manpower and the hard ware to other places. For instance, the office of the Crime Wing of the headquarters was relocated to the former Tsz Wan Shan Police Station. The HKPF would also look into setting up offices at the Kwun Tong Police Station. Most of the works were in

- 36 - progress. The HKPF understood the comments raised by Members and they would promptly implement the project when all the basic facilities were ready.

187. The Chairman said that Mr. Stephen HANDLEY had reported on the progress of upgrading Tseung Kwan O Division as an independent police station. He asked the Secretariat to make a record of the comments raised by Members and refer them to Tseung Kwan O Division for follow up.

188. Mr. Stephen HANDLEY of the HKPF added that the HKPF at this stage did not have any plan to use the site at Tiu Keng Leng.

189. Ms. Christine FONG agreed that it was very difficult to relocate the officers of the Crime Bureau and the Anti-triad Section. She welcomed the fact that the HKPF was using the space of the Tseung Kwan O Police Station to accommodate those officers temporarily. She said that the population of Tseung Kwan O would definitely increase in the long run and Mr. HANDLEY mentioned earlier that the site at Tiu Keng Leng would not be used. Yet, she would welcome it if the HKPF consider using the space of the former Tiu Keng Leng Police Station, as one more police post would be needed in Tseung Kwan O. At present, the population of Tseung Kwan O had reached 500,000 and this number would increase to 600,000 with the development of Tseung Kwan O Area 137. There was no reason that one more police post would not be needed. She suggested that apart from the Tiu Keng Leng Police Station, the HKPF could consider locating some space in the government buildings to set up a police post to provide space for police officers to perform their duties.

190. The Chairman said that if Members had further questions regarding the Police, they could raise it at the next meeting or at the meeting of the District Fight Crime Committee.

(3) The progress of the review of the land uses in Sai Kung (SKDC(M) Paper No. 240/16)

191. The Chairman said that this question was raised by Mr. CHUNG Kam-lung, Mr. Gary FAN, Mr. LEUNG Li, Mr. LAI Ming-chak, Mr. LUI Man-kwong and Mr. Frankie LAM.

192. Members noted the joint written reply from the DEVB and the PlanD (SKDC(M) Paper No. 251/16).

(4) Request the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to take enforcement actions strictly against persons for unauthorized publicity activities (SKDC(M) Paper No. 241/16)

193. The Chairman said that this question was raised by Mr. KAN Siu-kei.

194. Ms. Decem LAM, Senior Liaison Officer (2) of the SKDO said that during the election period of the LegCo earlier, the SKDO had not received any related complaints directly. They also had not received any complaints referred by the Electoral Affairs Commission or other relevant departments.

195. Ms. Annie FUNG, District Leisure Manager (Sai Kung) of the LCSD said that in accordance with the Pleasure Grounds Regulation, the handing out or posting of placard or notices were prohibited without the permission from the LCSD. The LCSD would request the

- 37 - relevant persons to remove the placard or notices in accordance with the Regulation should it occurred.

196. Mr. KAN Siu-kei said on that day, some members of the public complained to him that some candidates of the LegCo Election hang flags and distribute publicity materials at the location shown in the photo attached to the motion document. Yet, in spite of the complaints received, the mangers had not taken any action. Hence, he hoped to convey the message to the LCSD through the SKDC and asked the relevant officers to handle the complaints fairly.

XI. Any Other Business

(A) Membership of the Eastern Harbour Tunnel User Liaison Group (SKDC(M) Paper No. 242/16)

197. The Chairman said that the Eastern Harbour Tunnel User Liaison Group invited the SKDC to nominate a representative to become a member of the Liaison Group in the new term, which would end on 6 August 2018. Besides, the Liaison Group would be holding a meeting on 13 January 2017. The elected member was invited to attend the meeting. The Chairman asked Members to nominate a representative.

198. Mr. CHONG Yuen-tung nominated Mr. Philip LI. This was seconded by Mr. HIEW Moo-siew.

199. Mr. Philip LI accepted the nomination.

200. There being no other nominations from Members, the Chairman declared that Mr. Philip LI would become a member of the Eastern Harbour Tunnel User Liaison Group in the new term.

XII. Date of Next Meeting

201. The Chairman said that the next meeting would be held at 9:30 am on 3 January 2017 (Tuesday).

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

Sai Kung District Council Secretariat December 2016

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