minutes of the 2nd meeting of the traffic and transport ... · 3/9/2017 · samuel engineer/yuen...

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Minutes of the 2nd

Meeting of

the Traffic and Transport Committee

under the Yuen Long District Council in 2017

Date: 9 March 2017 (Thursday)

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:05 p.m.

Venue: Conference Room, Yuen Long District Council, 13/F, Yuen Long Government Offices,

2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long

Present Time of Arrival Time of Withdrawal

Chairman: Mr CHING Chan-ming Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting

Vice-chairman: Mr MAK Ip-sing Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting

Members: Mr CHAM Ka-hung,

Daniel, BBS, MH, JP

Beginning of the meeting 1:50 p.m.

Ms CHAN Mei-lin Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting

Mr CHAN Sze-ching 11:00 a.m. 12:10 p.m.

Mr CHEUNG Muk-lam Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting

Mr CHOW Wing-kan Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting

Mr KWOK Hing-ping 11:00 a.m. 1:20 p.m.

Mr KWOK Keung, MH Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting

The Hon KWONG Chun-yu 10:35 a.m. End of the meeting

Mr LAI Wai-hung Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting

Ms LAU Kwai-yung Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting

Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH 11:35 a.m. 12:25 p.m.

Mr LEUNG Ming-kin Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting

Mr LUI Kin 10:55 a.m. End of the meeting

The Hon LUK Chung-hung 10:15 a.m. 1:10 p.m.

Ms MA Shuk-yin 10:45 a.m. End of the meeting

Mr MAN Kwong-ming Beginning of the meeting 1:00 p.m.

Mr MAN Ping-nam, MH Beginning of the meeting 11:35 a.m.

Mr SHUM Ho-kit Beginning of the meeting 12:20 p.m.

Mr SIU Long-ming 10:10 a.m. 2:20 p.m.

Mr TANG Cheuk-him 10:25 a.m. End of the meeting

Mr TANG Cheuk-yin Beginning of the meeting 12:30 p.m.

Mr TANG Hing-ip, BBS Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting

Mr TANG Ka-leung Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting

Mr TANG Yung-yiu, Ronnie Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting

Mr TO Ka-lun Beginning of the meeting 2:30 p.m.

Mr WONG Cheuk-kin Beginning of the meeting 12:20 p.m.

Ms WONG Wai-ling 10:35 a.m. End of the meeting

Mr WONG Wai-shun Beginning of the meeting 1:45 p.m.

Mr WONG Wai-yin, Zachary Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting

Mr YIU Kwok-wai Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting

Mr YOUNG Ka-on Beginning of the meeting 1:15 p.m.

Ms YUEN Man-yee Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting

Co-opted

Members:

Mr CHAN Tin-yam 10:20 a.m. End of the meeting

Mr CHEUNG Wai-sum Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting

The minutes were confirmed on 11 May 2017 without amendment.

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Mr CHUI Kwan-siu Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting

Mr CHUNG Chau-wah 10:25 a.m. 1:10 p.m.

Mr HONG Chin-wah Beginning of the meeting 2:45 p.m.

Mr KO Chun-kit Beginning of the meeting 11:50 a.m.

Mr NG Ka-leung Beginning of the meeting 2:00 p.m.

Mr SZE TO Chun-hin Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting

Mr TANG Kam-fai Beginning of the meeting 11:45 a.m.

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

Yuen Long District Office

In Attendance

Miss MAK Ka-ying, Carren Assistant District Officer (Yuen Long) 2,

Yuen Long District Office

Ms TAM Lok-yan, Carol Senior Transport Officer/Yuen Long,

Transport Department

Mr YEUNG Shiu-wing, Chris Engineer/Yuen Long East, Transport Department

Mr FUNG Ching-cheung,

Samuel

Engineer/Yuen Long West, Transport Department

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

Highways Department

Ms LAI Ming-wai Engineer/16 (New Territories West), Civil

Engineering and Development Department

Mr CHIU Chi-keung District Operations Officer (Yuen Long District),

Hong Kong Police Force

Ms WONG Siu Mui Assistant Housing Manager/TS(I) 2, Housing

Department

Mr WONG Kin-wai, Kelvin Administrative Assistant/Lands (District Lands

Office, Yuen Long), Lands Department

Item 2

Ms WONG Yee-fang, Eva Senior Transport Officer/Bus/NTW, Transport

Department

Mr Stephen WAN Manager (Operations), the Kowloon Motor Bus Co.

(1933) Ltd

Mr Gary LEUNG Assistant Manager (Planning & Development), ,

the Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd

Miss Amanda HUNG Assistant Manager (Operations), the Kowloon

Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd

Mr Louis KUNG Operations Manager (Department Two), Citybus

Limited & New World First Bus Services

Limited (Citybus & NWFB)

Mr Rayson LAW Planning and Supporting Officer I, Long Win Bus

Company Limited (LWB)

Item 3

Mr HUE Ka-yiu, Daniel Chief Transport Officer / NT North West, Transport

Department

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Item 4(15)

Miss LAW Hoi-ching, Janice Senior Transport Officer / NT / Housing, Transport

Department

Absent

Ms CHIU Sau-han, MH

Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen (Absent due to other commitments)

Mr TANG Lai-tung

Mr CHING Yung-fai

* * * * *

Opening Remarks

The Chairman welcomed Members and representatives of government departments to the

2nd meeting of the Traffic and Transport Committee (“T&TC”) under the Yuen Long District Council

(“YLDC”) in 2017. As Members who asked questions had already reflected their views to relevant

departments and received replies, the Chairman suggested that there would be no need to discuss

Agenda Item 4(1), Agenda Item 4(2) and Agenda Item 4(3). This was supported by Members. Also,

the Committee agreed to leave the discussion of Agenda Item 4(6) and Agenda Item 4(7) to the next

meeting.

Item 1: Confirmation of the minutes of the first meeting of Traffic and Transport Committee

(“T&TC”) in 2017

2． The minutes of the first meeting were confirmed by Members unanimously.

Item 2: Bus Route Planning Programme 2017-2018 of Yuen Long District

(T&TC Paper No. 9/2017)

3． The Chairman concluded that this agenda item would be referred to the Working Group

on Bus Service for detailed discussion.

Item 3: Public Transport and Residents' Services in Yuen Long South


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

Transport Department

Chief Transport Officer / NT North West Mr HUE Ka-yiu, Daniel

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5． Mr HUE Ka-yiu, Daniel briefly introduced the paper.

6． Members’ opinions on the issue were summarised as follows:

(1) The Transport Department’s (“TD”) review of the arrangements for the Public

Transport Services and Residents’ Services in Yuen Long South was welcomed.

The department concerned was suggested to have uniform standards for approving

applications for the residents’ service and to approve whole-day residents’ service for

all the residents of estates at Yuen Long South. Some Members suggested that the

department concerned review all case studies of Residents’ Services throughout

Hong Kong to develop a set of approval standards that would apply to all of Hong

Kong;

(2) There were objections against the department concerned for cutting off three

residents’ service routes during afternoon non-peak hours without holding any

consultation. The TD was requested to resume the full-day service in accordance

with the wishes of citizens. Some Members also questioned the TD’s claims that the

resumption of Residents’ Services would cause traffic congestion in Yuen Long’s

urban areas, and believed that the traffic at this time should be smoother as the time

cut off by the department was during non-peak hours;

(3) There were claims that the residents’ service for Yuen Long South was a self-help

method initiated due to inadequacies of the public transport service, so the TD was

urged to review the public transport policy and carefully consider the ancillary

public transport facilities for newly-developed housing estates in the future. Some

Members cited the example of KMB Route No. 68F extending to Park YOHO, and

questioned the TD about why the public transport service provided to different

housing estates was different. The TD was also asked whether its future public

transport policy would permit public buses to enter private housing estates to reduce

the granting of the residents’ service;

(4) The roles of the TD and KMB were questioned. It was pointed out that the TD

should coordinate franchised bus operators to serve the public but not favour the

operation of individual franchised bus operators. It was also pointed out that even

if the department had cut out the residents’ service at Yuen Long South to provide a

better operating environment for KMB, KMB’s passenger rate for route 68E and 68F

was still low, which reflected the difficulty in replacing the residents’ service; and

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(5) Some Members suggested that the TD consider jointly investigating the

establishment of feeder bus routes with the Mass Transit Railway Corporation

Limited (“MTRCL”) to serve residents of Yuen Long South housing estates. It was

believed that this would reduce residents’ demand for the residents’ service.

Alternatively, a leading role could be taken to coordinate various housing estates to

explore a joint residents’ service route to reduce congestion. A Member also

suggested that the works department adjust traffic lights during peak hours to ease

the traffic.

7． Mr HUE Ka-yiu, Daniel gave a consolidated response as follows:

(1) He reiterated that the residents’ service would play a supporting role in the public

transport system, and that the TD would give priority to the development of mass

carrier. The residents’ service of Yuen Long South was introduced at the early stages

of the district’s development when franchised bus service was not supported;

however, with the development of housing estates and the population, the

department has introduced new franchised bus services according to residents’

demand for buses;

(2) He indicated that when the operator of residents’ service applied to renew its

Passenger Service Licence annually, the TD would, based on established procedures

and practices, consider making adjustments to the traffic situation at that time and

changes in residents’ travel demand, and would even abolish the residents’ service at

certain time periods. He also reiterated that the Ombudsman’s investigation report

also noted that the decision of the TD to reduce the service time of the three

residents’ service routes was in line with the established transport policy; however, it

was recommended that the TD consider the residents’ service level granted to the

neighbouring estates when it considered applications for a new residents’ service.

Therefore the department suggested that the three Yuen Long South residents’

service applications be handled as stated in the discussion paper;

(3) He explained that because Park YOHO was a larger development and its location

deviated from the railway network, according to the department’s policy, mass

carrier would be required to satisfy the residents’ travel needs; therefore the

extension of the KMB route 68F to Park YOHO did not involve any preferential

treatment for individual housing estates or developers;

(4) He explained that the operation of the residents’ service was determined firstly by

the negotiation between the estate representative and the applicant. After the

department received an application, it would handle and approve the application

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according to established procedures and practices. It had not participated in the

consultation process of the planning of routes between various housing estates;

(5) He indicated that when the department handled new residents’ service applications,

the department would consider the basic principles listed in section 5 of the

discussion paper. As each district had a difference in pace and scale of development,

the residents’ service arrangements of each district were different;

(6) He said that the department would reflect Members’ suggestion for the proposed

feeder bus service to housing estates in Yuen Long South to the MTRCL. In addition

to the MTR bus route no. K66 and K68, there were currently other green minibus

services at Yuen Long South. Therefore, when the department considered

applications for a residents’ service, it considered the overall public transport service

of Yuen Long and not just the franchised bus service; and

(7) He hoped that this consultation would be able to fine-tune the factors taken into

consideration under the existing policy when processing the application for

residents’ service in Yuen Long South. If the relevant proposals were to be endorsed

by the Committee, the department would proceed with relevant work and would take

note of Members views on their other comments, such as the recommendation for

the full-day service.

8． Mr YEUNG Shiu-wing said that the TD would regularly review the traffic situation at the

traffic light intersections of the district. If any DC member had any particular comments to make

about any set of traffic lights, he welcomed such comments to be made to the department.

9． Mr LEUNG Ming-kin, proposed the following motion, seconded by the Vice-chairman,

Mr CHAM Ka-hung, Daniel, BBS, MH, Ms CHAN Mei-lin, Mr CHAN Sze-ching, Mr CHEUNG

Muk-lam, Mr CHOW Wing-kan, Mr KWOK Keung, MH, Mr LAI Wai-hung, Mr LUI Kin, Mr

LUK Chung-hung, Ms MA Shuk-yin, Mr MAN Kwong-ming, Mr MAN Ping-nam, MH, Mr SHUM

Ho-kit, Mr SIU Long-ming, Mr TANG Cheuk-him, Mr TANG Cheuk-yin, Mr TANG Hing-ip, BBS,

Mr TANG Ka-leung, Mr TANG Yung-yiu, Mr TO Ka-lun, Mr WONG Cheuk-kin, Ms WONG

Wai-ling, Mr WONG Wai-shun, Mr YOUNG Ka-on, Ms YUEN Man-yee, Mr CHAN Tin-yam,

Mr CHEUNG Wai-sum, Mr CHUI Kwan-siu, Mr CHUNG Chau-wah, Mr HONG Chin-wah, Mr

KO Chun-kit, Mr NG Ka-leung, Mr SZE TO Chun-hin, and Mr TANG Kam-fai.

“The housing estates in Yuen Long South Estate are located at the edge of Yuen Long

Town and are adjacent to the countryside. Over the years, residents have travelled mainly to Yuen

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Long Town by residents’ service or transfer to other means of transport to travel to and from Hong

Kong Island or Kowloon. However, the standard for the existing residents’ service of each housing

estate in Yuen Long South is different, and residents are dissatisfied about this. Therefore

the Committee strongly urges the TD to harmonise the approval criteria for the residents’ service in

Yuen Long South and approve all full-day applications of residents’ service in Yuen Long South.”

10． Members voted on the above motion by show of hands and open ballot. The following

Members favoured the aforesaid motion: The Vice-chairman, Ms CHAN Mei-lin, Mr CHAN

Sze-ching, Mr CHEUNG Muk-lam, Mr CHOW Wing-kan, Mr KWOK Keung, MH, Mr KWOK

Hing-ping, Mr KWONG Chun-yu, Mr LAI Wai-hung, Mr LEUNG Ming-kin, Mr LUI Kin, Ms MA

Shuk-yin, Mr MAN Kwong-ming, Mr SHUM Ho-kit, Mr SIU Long-ming, Mr TANG Cheuk-yin, Mr

TANG Hing-ip, BBS, Mr TANG Ka-leung, Mr TANG Yung-yiu, Mr TO Ka-lun, Ms WONG Wai-ling,

Mr WONG Wai-shun, Mr WONG Wai-yin, Mr YIU Kwok-wai, Mr YOUNG Ka-on, Ms YUEN

Man-yee, Mr CHAN Tin-yam, Mr CHEUNG Wai-sum, Mr CHUI Kwan-siu, Mr CHUNG Chau-wah,

Mr HONG Chin-wah, Mr KO Chun-kit, Mr NG Ka-leung, Mr SZE TO Chun-hin, and Mr TANG

Kam-fai.

11． The Chairman concluded that there were 35 votes in favour of the motion, zero votes

against and zero votes abstained, so the relevant motion was carried with an absolute majority.

The Chairman urged the TD to look into the Committee’s strong request for the resumption of the

full-day service of the relevant residents’ service. With regards to the three applications for the Yuen

Long South residents’ service that were still being processed, the Committee agreed with the TD’s

arrangements and hoped that the department would expedite the processing for the relevant

applications.

Item 4 Questions raised by Members:

(4) Mr KWOK Keung, MH, the Hon LEUNG Che-cheung, BBS, MH, JP, Mr LUI Kin, Mr SIU

Long-ming, Ms WONG Wai-ling, Ms MA Shuk-yin, Mr CHUI Kwan-siu, Mr SZE

TO Chun-hin, Mr KO Chun-kit and Mr CHING Yung-fai requested that a footbridge be

provided at Tin Yiu Plaza to connect with Tin Shing Court



(1) It was pointed out that the Housing Department (“HD”) had been requested to

optimise and improve the lift facility of the existing footbridge connecting Tin Yiu

Plaza with Tin Shing Court market, but the department had not accepted this request;

therefore the present proposal for a footbridge to be provided at Tin Yiu Plaza to

connect with Tin Shing Court was raised. An inquiry was also made as to whether

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relevant government departments would agree to the provision of the above

footbridge if Link Asset Management Limited (“Link”) was willing to bear the costs;

(2) Some Members were dissatisfied with the HD’s reply and believed that in addition to

Link, the HD had the responsibility to provide sufficient public facilities to residents.

As the HD was unable to supervise Link and Tin Yiu market was closed, residents

were forced to use the existing footbridge to access Tin Shing market. The

department was urged to consider the provision of a footbridge to remedy the

situation;

(3) Some Members were disappointed that Link did not send any representatives to the

meeting, and pointed out that Link had also been absent at the meeting of the Culture,

Recreation, Community Service and Housing Committee; therefore it was suggested

that the Agenda Item be included in the matters arising of the next meeting, and that

a letter be sent to Link to request their attendance at committee meetings. Some

Members suggested requesting a meeting with the executives of Link;

(4) It was pointed out that the relevant proposal required collaboration between many

departments, so it was suggested that the Yuen Long District Office (“YLDO”) of

Home Affairs Department (“HAD”) contact the relevant departments; and

(5) A Member enquired about the progress of the widening of the pedestrian crossing at

the Tin Yiu Stop crossroad. There were also enquiries about the feasibility of

constructing the abovementioned footbridge. If it was feasible, it was suggested that

the TD could also consider building a staircase to lead directly to the bus stops on

the ground level.

13． Ms WONG Siu-mui gave a consolidated response as follows:

(1) When considering building any public facility, it was necessary for the HD to give

sufficient consideration to various factors to ensure good use of public resources.

The existing footbridge already has a lift and staircase, and pedestrians could also

use pedestrian crossing facilities on the ground floor to access Tin Shing market;

(2) She indicated that before considered further on providing the abovementioned

footbridge, it would be necessary to obtain approval from relevant government

departments, and get title owner, that is, Link, to give its consent and agree to bear

the relevant costs;

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(3) She pointed out that as the location of the proposed footbridge was close to flats in

nearby residential buildings, it would attract strong opposition as it would block the

view of residents of said flats. In addition, walking on or the activities held on the

footbridge would cause a nuisance to residents and might cause security issues; and

(4) She said she would take note of all the questions asked by Members and would study

the feasibility of providing the footbridge together with relevant division of the HD.

14． Mr FUNG Ching-cheung said that the TD had already issued the works notice for the

expansion of the pedestrian crossing at the Tin Yiu Stop crossroad, so Members could ask the

Highways Department (“HyD”) to enquire about its relevant progress.

15． Mr SHIH Yung-chi would supplement the work progress of the relevant pedestrian

crossing expansion works to individual Members after the meeting.

16． Miss MAK Ka-ying said that as the abovementioned proposal on the provision of the

footbridge involved the work of Link and other relevant government departments, she would contact

Link and the departments concerned later to find out about the situation. She would also contact Link

and the relevant government departments for further details, as well as urge departments concerned to

take follow-up actions and provide response.

17． The Chairman summarised that Members believed it would be necessary to provide the

abovementioned footbridge; however, the government departments and Link had not reached a

consensus. In addition to the HD and Link, this Agenda Item also required the collaboration of many

government departments, so it was suggested that HAD contact the relevant departments to explore

the feasibility of providing the abovementioned footbridge and contact relevant Members afterwards.

It was also reiterated that some Members present were strongly dissatisfied with Link’s failure to

send a representative to attend the meeting.

(Post-meeting note: On 20 April, 2017, the HyD submitted supplementary information concerning

the work progress of the pedestrian crossing expansion and the Secretariat has circulated the

information to Members on 24 April.)

(5) Ms CHAN Mei-lin, Mr WONG Wai-yin, Zachary, Mr MAK Ip-sing, the Hon

KWONG Chun-yu and Mr TO Ka-lun proposed to enlarge the area of refuge island

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(1) It was reflected that although Yuen Long’s population had continued to grow, the

pedestrian refuges of many pedestrian crossings were still following the old design,

so there were hopes that the TD would do its best to enlarge the pedestrian refuges or

study the feasibility to straighten the pedestrian refuges; and

(2) With regards to location (1) – the pedestrian crossing across Tin Shing Road outside

Tin Tsz Estate, the TD was urged to consider increasing the pedestrian green period

for the crossing from the pedestrian refuge to Tin Tsz Stop by 3 seconds during

afternoon peak hours, as well as extend the crossing time from the pedestrian refuge

to the other side of the pedestrian crossing. A Member reflected that the 3 second

extension would not resolve the problem and believed the department should

increase the duration with 10 seconds as the benchmark. In addition, there was a

similar situation at Fung Cheung Road and it was hoped that the department would

also pay attention to that.

19． Mr FUNG Ching-cheung said the department would consider extending the pedestrian

green period for the crossing from the pedestrian refuge to Tin Tsz Stop by 3 seconds during

afternoon peak hours at location (1). If DC members still had any comments after the measures were

implemented, the department could arrange a joint inspection of the traffic situation in the area. The

department took note of the relevant proposal to straighten the pedestrian refuges, but as the relevant

arrangement would have some impact on road traffic, the department would consider this on an

individual basis according to the situation, so as to strike a balance between the flow of traffic and

people.

20． The Chairman summarised that Members believed it was necessary to straighten the

pedestrian crossing and asked the TD to arrange an on-site inspection with the Members who raised

these concerns.

(8) The Hon LUK Chung-hung and Mr TANG Cheuk-him requested that the problem of acute

shortfall of car parking spaces in Tin Shui Wai be addressed


(9) Mr YIU Kwok-wai, Ms LAU Kwai-yung and Mr NG Ka-leung proposed to discuss the

construction of multi-storey car park in Tin Shui Wai


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(1) There was an acute shortfall of car parking spaces in Tin Shui Wai and the number of

waiting places at the car parks of major estates reflected the high demand of

residents. Therefore government departments were urged to actively seek

government and private land for use as temporary car parks or multi-storey car

parks;

(2) Some Members pointed out that Tin Shui Wai’s multi-storey car park had been

converted for other uses due to insufficient use in early years, which has resulted in

the current shortage of car parking spaces. Therefore the government was urged to

supplement car parking spaces to the number originally provided when developing

Tin Shui Wai and seek out other land for the provision of car parking spaces;

(3) Some Members suggested that government departments could stipulate that attached

car parking spaces be built when developing buildings and community facilities, and

this should include parking spaces for large vehicles which were seriously

inadequate in the area;

(4) Some Members asked the Yuen Long District Lands Office of Lands Department

(“LandsD”) for details of the application for the conversion of abandoned farmland

into a temporary car park. Members also asked the TD whether it supported the

application to convert farmland into car parks as the TD’s support would have a

definite impact on the Town Planning Board (“TPB”);

(5) Some Members expressed reservations about the arrangements to use vacant land at

Sha Chau Road as a temporary car park, and pointed out that in the early years,

the Environmental Improvement Committee had proposed to build public toilets in

Sha Chau Lei Tsuen, and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department had

indicated that it would investigate the feasibility of this at that time;

(6) Some Members disagreed with the abolishment of a specific number of parking

spaces according to the regulations of the Hong Kong Planning Standards and

Guidelines, and hoped the departments concerned would reflect this to the Planning

Department so as to obtain clear guidelines on parking spaces; and

(7) There were inquiries about the addition of parking spaces at private development

projects near Wetland Park: whether the land lease specified if the parking spaces

would be subject to time rented hourly or were monthly rented parking spaces. It was

also pointed out that if the parking spaces were for visitor parking, then maybe the

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landlord could break up the deed and sell a number of them as monthly rented

parking spaces or resident parking spaces. It was hoped that LandsD would pay

attention to this loophole when drafting the land titles.

22． Mr FUNG Ching-cheung gave a consolidated response as follows:

(1) The TD was concerned about the supply and demand of parking spaces in Tin Shui

Wai and had always been in contact with LandsD to find suitable land for use as

temporary car parks;

(2) On a policy level, the proposed multi-storey car park would not be a good use of

land and the department was currently communicating with other departments and

studying new development plans. In addition to the planned parking spaces of the

item, there was also an additional requirement to provide public parking spaces. For

example, at the private development projects near Wetland Park, 90 private vehicle

parking spaces, 9 motorcycle parking spaces and 45 coach parking spaces would be

added; and

(3) With regards to the application to convert private land into land for use as car parks,

the TD would consider this and provide traffic advice; however, applicants should

pay attention to whether the lease or planning would permit the relevant changes.

23． Mr WONG Kin-wai, Kelvin gave a consolidated response as follows:

(1) The LandsD has maintained close communication with the TD. When drafting

private land lease conditions, it included provisions on the required number of

parking spaces in accordance with the TD’s request. If a government department

requested the allocation of land for the construction of a car park, it would also

arrange the allocation of the relevant land. The LandsD was currently tendering for a

plot of government land near Sha Chau Lei Road to be used as a temporary car park,

so as to make the best use of government land;

(2) Most of the private farmland near Tin Shui Wai was old scheduled agricultural lots

with land leases which have no land use restriction; therefore the use of such land for

parking purposes would not contravene the relevant lease agreements. However, if a

landlord were to convert its private land into a car park, this must be in compliance

with relevant regulations of the Town Planning Ordinance. If necessary, an

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application would be made to the TPB; and

(3) He reiterated that the department would add the provisions of parking spaces as per

the TD’s requirements when it drafted private land lease conditions, and that the

provisions would usually specify the number of parking spaces for visitors and

residents.

24． The Chairman urged the TD and relevant government departments to carefully consider

finding suitable land in Tin Shui Wai and Yuen Long, so as to build temporary car parks and

multi-storey car parks. There were usually many restrictions on using private land as car parks and he

hoped the Planning Department would relax some of the terms. He also urged LandsD to expedite the

approval for the relevant applications.

(10) Mr YIU Kwok-wai, Ms LAU Kwai-yung and Mr NG Ka-leung proposed to discuss law

enforcement against illegal parking near the prohibited zone outside Grandeur Terrace



(1) It was reflected that although a section of the road near Grandeur Terrace had been

painted with double yellow lines, vehicles were often parked illegally at this

prohibited zone. Other than obstructing vehicular traffic, it also affected the safety of

pedestrians. It was hoped that the Police would enhance law enforcement and

provide the figures of prosecutions at the above location so that Members could

understand the enforcement situation;

(2) Some Members pointed out that double yellow lines failed to have much of a

deterrent effect on many drivers and urged the Police to enforce the law strictly. The

locations of other places where the illegal parking problem was serious despite there

being double yellow lines were pointed out, including the area outside the Hong

Kong Jockey Club Betting Station at Hung Shui Kiu and a roundabout at Lau Fau

Shan. Some Members suggested that the Police could enforce the law vigorously at

the locations mentioned by Members within a short-period of time to enhance

deterrence;

(3) The Police was asked whether it could provide the breakdown figures of fixed

penalty tickets (FPTs) issued due to illegal parking at double yellow line areas. It

was also pointed out that a growth in FPTs issued didn’t mean that enforcement was

sufficient at the individual locations as growth in population and shortage of parking

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spaces also increased these figures; and

(4) There were concerns about the Police’s efficiency in issuing FPTs. It was suggested

that overseas case studies could be referred to, so as to study whether the

enforcement work could be outsourced to the private sector.

26． Mr CHIU Chi-keung gave a consolidated response as follows:

(1) The number of FPTs issued by Yuen Long district for illegal parking doubled from

approximately 72,000 in 2014 to 140,000 in 2016. This indicated that Police

enforcement efforts had been greatly strengthened. He reiterated that illegally parked

cars blocked the vision of pedestrians when they crossed the road and could lead to

road hazards and accidents. The Police would impose strict enforcement on vehicles

that were illegally parked in prohibited zones and would not give them the right of

discretion;

(2) With regards to the illegal parking problem at the Lau Fau Shan roundabout and

outside the Hong Kong Jockey Club Betting Station, the HKPF would issue

summons against those who commit traffic offences, and enhance enforcement

against illegal parking on horse racing days;

(3) The Police had not maintain statistical figures of FPTs issued for illegal parking at

double yellow line areas, but a total of 97 FPTs had been made at Grandeur Terrace

in the past three months. However, he reiterated that prosecution figures could not be

relied upon solely to judge the actual situation of law enforcement as the Police

could also achieve a deterrent effect by posting officers at certain areas for a period

of time, and such enforcement action would not be reflected in figures; and

(4) He reiterated that sole reliance on police law enforcement would not solve the

problem of illegal parking in the long-run; therefore the Police also suggested

improvements to the design of some roads. If Members discovered other black spots

for illegal parking, they could also reflect this to the Police after the meeting.

27． The Chairman hoped the Police would pay attention to the black spots for illegal parking

mentioned by Members and strengthen law enforcement.


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provision of “Night Park” spaces at the Hong Kong Wetland Park


28． Members suggested changing the visitor parking spaces at Wetland Park into “Night Park”

spaces to make good use of vacant land resources at night to alleviate the shortage of parking spaces

at Tin Shui Wai. However, this was not considered by the Agricultural, Fisheries and Conservation

Department (“AFCD”) and the department had not appointed a representative to attend the present

meeting, so it was believed that the government departments were unable to cooperate actively with

each other. Members referred to the precedents of car parks of Tin Yip Road Park at Tin Shui Wai and

the Yuen Long District Office Building and reflected that changing car parks at government buildings

or facilities into night parks or hourly parks was a feasible suggestion, and suggested that the HAD

request the various departments to work together.

29． Mr FUNG Ching-cheung said that the AFCD had reservations about the relevant

suggestion, and that the TD could provide appropriate traffic advice if the HAD were to make

relevant coordination.

30． The Chairman hoped that the TD and AFCS’s discussion of the feasibility of changing

visitor car parks at Wetland Park into night parks would prove the feasibility of opening up car parks

for use as night parks for citizens at other case study locations in the same district. He also hoped that

the Members who raised these questions would follow-up on the situation with the TD.


introduction of self-service bicycle hire system in Yuen Long district



(1) Members reflected that many cities in the Mainland and around the world have been

vigorously developing a self-service bicycle hire system to encourage citizens to

cycle for transport, so as to reduce the burden of public transport and carbon

emissions, and therefore suggested the bureaux concerned to consider the provision

of relevant facilities at Yuen Long and invest resources into the promotion and

research of development for tourism projects. However, it was disappointing that the

bureaux did not appoint any representatives to attend the meeting to discuss details;

(2) Some Members asked about the progress of the project to build the Tin Shui

Wai Cycling Hub next to Tin Shui Wai West Railway Station, and suggested that a

bicycle hiring location could be set up at the site; and

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(3) There were hopes that the role of bicycle in transport policy could be clarified, and

the TD was asked whether bicycles could be considered as supplementary means of

transport or for purely recreational purposes.

32． Mr FUNG Ching-cheung, Samuel said according to the reply from the Transport and

Housing Bureau (“THB”), the government would study ways to help non-profit-making organisations

finance themselves to operate a community bicycle hiring service. He also added that

the Civil Engineering and Development Department (“CEDD”) was responsible for the works at the

Tin Shui Wai Bicycle Hub. The Department clarified that other than the bicycle facilities managed by

the TD, other government departments would also manage cycling facilities.

33． The Chairman summarised that it hoped the THB would consider Members’ meetings and

would make reference to the self-service bicycle rental system of other places.

(13) Ms WONG Wai-ling, the Hon LEUNG Che-cheung, BBS, MH, JP, Mr KWOK Keung, MH,

Mr LUI Kin, Mr SIU Long-ming, Ms MA Shuk-yin, Mr CHUI Kwan-siu, Mr KO Chun-kit,

Mr CHING Yung-fai and Mr SZE TO Chun-hin requested that emergency vehicular access to

Tin Shui Wai Hospital be provided



(1) Tin Shui Wai Hospital had been put into service and the emergency room service

would also open by 15 March. However, the Hospital Authority (“HA”) had not

appropriately arranged to set up an emergency vehicular access to the Hospital. The

road from Tin Shui Road to Tin Tan Street was often congested during peak hours. In

the event of an accident, rescue work would be affected, so it was not ideal to only

access the Hospital via Tin Tan Street. Therefore the TD was asked whether other

roads could be used as alternative access for emergencies and whether it had other

contingency plans;

(2) Some Members pointed out that the DC had already suggested in early years that the

Department to build a flyover to connect the Hospital with Tin Ying Road so that

ambulances and other vehicles could reach the Hospital quickly or go to other

hospitals such as Tuen Mun Hospital. It was also reiterated that the DC did not agree

with the proposed cancellation of Tin Ying Road in Hung Shui Kiu new development

plan; and

17

(3) A Member said that the Hospital would borrow the use of fire escapes of Tin

Wah Estate as an emergency vehicular access, and had received the agreement of the

estate management advisory committee of Tin Wah Estate in principle; however, it

was not an appropriate option in the long run, so it was necessary for the Department

to build other emergency vehicular accesses. The HyD was also asked about the

progress of the works to provide additional emergency vehicular access at Tin

Wah Estate.

35． Mr FUNG Ching-cheung gave a consolidated response as follows:

(1) He hoped to clarify the role of HA and TD that TD would provide traffic related

advice to suit the operational needs of the Hospital, but the emergency vehicular

access to the Hospital was not a public road; therefore the decision of whether or not

to plan and build this was within the scope of a hospital level operation. Members

could ask the HA about the contingency plans of the relevant Hospital and whether

there were other plans to build another emergency vehicular access in the long-run;

(2) The Hospital was currently studying the emergency vehicular access plan via Tian

Wah Estate to the bicycle trail to Tin Shui Road. The HA still needed to liaise with

Tin Wah Estate and other departments and organisations to examine the feasibility of

the relevant works, and the TD would provide relevant traffic advice to tie in to this;

and

(3) With regards to the overly long waiting times at the traffic lights at Tian Tan Street,

the HA would refer to the Fire Service Department’s arrangements to give

emergency rescue vehicles priority use of roads. If the authority believed that it

would be necessary to adopt this at the operational level, the TD would make

appropriate arrangements.

36． Mr SHIH Yung-chi said that the Authority still had not decided whether the HyD or the

Architectural Services Department would be responsible for the construction of emergency vehicular

accesses for Tin Wah Estate. If the HyD was to be responsible for this, the department would

implement the works upon receipt of the plan.

37． The Chairman summarised that Members had enquired about the relevant emergency

vehicular accesses on multiple occasions before the hospital commenced service; however, there was

still no proper solution to the present situation. He also asked Members who raised this issue to

18

follow-up on the relevant situation with the departments concerned.

(14) Mr WONG Wai-yin, Zachary, Mr MAK Ip-sing, Ms CHAN Mei-lin, Mr TO Ka-lun and

the Hon KWONG Chun-yu proposed to discuss the quality of road-resurfacing materials



(1) Member hoped to know the reason why the HyD could not lay the new asphalt

surface material on all road sections. It was also pointed out that Yuen Lok Road at

Yuen Long was not suitable for the testing of new surfacing materials. It was

suggested that the HyD try out new surfacing materials on the sections with busy

traffic lights and where heavy vehicles travelled along, so as to test the results;

(2) It was pointed out that the quality of asphalt made the road section before the traffic

lights and the road near the refuge island prone to cracks, especially in summer, and

it generated louder noise when vehicles drove on the road. This also posed a safety

problem to citizens when they crossed the road. This could also lead to traffic

accidents by small motorcycles. It was hoped that the Department would re-pave the

road surface with appropriate materials as soon as possible; and

(3) It was suggested that the HyD improve its inspections to ensure the maintenance of

road surface.

39． Mr SHIH Yung-chi said that the HyD actively considered the use of new asphalt materials

when resurfacing the road; however certain areas, such as the roundabout, were unsuitable because

the road would have to be closed during resurfacing to allow digging deeper underground. This might

have a certain impact on road traffic, so the Department must review the situation one-by-one to find

out whether resurfacing should be carried out. After the meeting, data concerning whether a new

material had been used for resurfacing at On Lok Road would be supplemented and sent to individual

Members. Suggestions on improvements to road inspections would also be made to the maintenance

team.

(Post-meeting note: On 20 April 2017, supplementary data on the planned resurfacing of new asphalt

materials at Yuen Long On Lok Road was provided. The Secretariat forwarded the information to

Members on 24 April.)


19

the Hon KWONG Chun-yu proposed to discuss the service facilities for transportation to be

provided upon the completion of new residential development in Tung Tau Industrial Area


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

TD

Senior Transport Officer / NT / Housing Miss LAW Hoi-ching, Janice

41． Members pointed out that other than the development projects mentioned in the TD’s

response document, the Spectra and the development near Wang Fu Court were also nearing

completion. There have also been applications from other parties to use industrial buildings for a

purpose outside of usual industrial usage. The demand for public transport at Tung Tau Industrial

Zone needed to be enhanced, and it was difficult for residents to rely on walking or to use the existing

public transport service. It was recommended that the TD take precautionary measures to enhance the

existing public transport as well as study more transport packages for citizens to choose from. The

TD should also work with the MTRCL to study the feasibility of new feeder bus routes to the MTR.

42． Miss Law Hoi-ching, Janice said that the document only listed the projects that would be

completed in 2017 so the Spectra had not been included. It was expected that the majority of

residents of the estate would use the West Rail. The TD would communicate proactively with bus

companies to closely monitor the needs of customers, so as to gradually adjust or strengthen the shift

service. In addition, the Department noticed that an application had been received to alter the purpose

of the building to the non-industrial industrial building use, and to develop a plot of land next to

Wang Fu Court into a residential project. Officers had also been sent to inspect the site, and once the

projects were commissioned, the Department would review again the public transport arrangements.

In addition to this, the Department was currently working with the operators of minibus route no. 611

to explore a plan to re-route, and the bus company to provide additional bus stops for route no. 268B

and 268C at around Wang Fu West Street or at Fu Yip Street to reduce the walking distance of

residents.

43． The Chairman summarised by hoping that relevant Members could keep in close contact

with the TD and provide their views.


the Hon KWONG Chun-yu proposed to discuss designating cycling track as subsidiary

vehicular access road

20



(1) It was pointed out that as existing cycling tracks were built next to the pedestrian

road, cyclists would have to stop at pedestrian crossings and push their bicycles

through the pedestrian interchange, which meant bicycle tracks were intermittent. It

was suggested that the TD refer to the design of Taiwan’s roads when it build new

roads in the future and consider designing cycling tracks at the side so that bicycles,

private and public vehicles could share the use of the road;

(2) Some Members pointed out that metal speed reducing bollards had been used instead

of plastic bollards at parts of cycling tracks, and that the placement was overly dense,

which meant that cyclists had to stop because they could not pass through directly.

Whereas plastic bollards were often damaged by others or made it difficult for

trolleys or wheelchairs to pass through. It was hoped that the Department would

relax the placement of bollards; some Members mentioned that a section of the

pedestrian road was overly narrow between Long Ping and Tin Shui Wai, which

forced wheelchair users to use cycling tracks; other Members reflected that the

bollards at the bicycle track outside Tin Fu Court of Tin Shui Wai had a hollow

design and some people had thrown their rubbish inside the bollards because of this,

so it was hoped that the Department would pay attention to the relevant situation;

(3) Some Members reflected that the bicycle tracks of the district were not connected,

and also mentioned the uneven road surface of bicycle tracks; and

(4) A Member enquired about the progress of the bicycle track works for the section of

road from the north of Pok Wai South Road outside Park YOHO to Kam Pok Road.

45． Mr YEUNG Shiu-wing gave a consolidated response as follows:

(1) A coherent driving design had been adopted for existing cycling tracks and cyclists

were not required to get off their bicycles and push their bicycles across pedestrian

crossings, but when they were crossing at busier areas and places with the “Cyclists

Dismount” sign, cyclists should get off their bicycles and follow traffic sign

recommendations and the road situation by pushing their bicycles at the pedestrian

crossing to ensure their safety;

(2) As cars and bicycles travelled at different speeds, sharing the road with other

vehicles at busy roads without a dedicated bicycle lane increased the risk of traffic

21

accidents. The TD would set up cycling tracks when the situation permitted it to

ensure the safety of cyclists;

(3) Based on safety considerations, the Department was gradually improving the design

of speed reducing bollards at vehicle access entrances and exits, and adopted crash

barriers made of metal materials to prevent vehicles from driving into bicycle tracks,

so as to ensure the safety of cyclists. The Department took note of Members views

about the design of bollards; and

(4) With regards to the problem of uneven road surfaces of bicycle tracks, this would be

reflected to the HyD to follow-up on road maintenance. With regards to the width

problem of the pedestrian road from Long Ping to Tin Shui Wai, the Department

would send officers to understand the situation before following-up on this with the

Member who asked about this.

46． Mr FUNG Ching-cheung said that Members were welcome to raise any questions they

had about the continuity of bicycle tracks to the Department. The Department would consider

connecting the relevant sections of bicycle tracks on a case-by-case basis. He also clarified that the

design of bicycle tracks was to cater to the use of cyclists. The Department was currently relaxing the

placement of plastic bollards and would issue drawings to the HyD for some of the locations to

facilitate follow-up.

47． Ms LAI Ming-wai said that she would supplement the progress of the bicycle track works

at Pok Wai South Road to the Member who inquired about this.

48． The Chairman urged the TD to consider implementing the bicycle track design related

improvements mentioned by Members.

Item 5: Progress report from the Transport Department


49． Members noted the above report.

Item 6: Progress report from the Highways Department


50． Members were concerned about the progress of the works to provide additional

22

motorcycle parking spaces at Tin Shui Road near Tin Shui Wai Community Centre, and inquired

about whether the pedestrian road at Wong Nai Tun Tsuen would be connected to the vehicular bridge

at Kiu Hing Road after its completion.

51． Mr SHIH Yung-chi said that in response to the opening of Tin Shui Wai Hospital, the

Department must deploy staff to make signs in a short period of time. Upon completion, the

Department would immediately proceed with the works to provide additional motorcycle parking

spaces at Tin Shui Road near Tin Shui Wai Community Centre.

52． Mr YEUNG Shiu-wing said that the pedestrian road at Wong Nai Tun Tsuen would be

connected to the vehicular bridge at Kiu Hing Road after its completion.

Item 7: Statistics on cycling accidents and related enforcement actions


53． Members noted the above report.

Item 8: Any other business

(1) Voting results for the next phase of the “Universal Accessibility” programme

54． The Chairman said that the HyD had consulted the Committee about the above item at the

T&TC meeting on 12 January this year and hoped that the T&TC would choose not more than 3

existing public walkways as priority projects in Yuen Long district. Members agreed to vote on this

after the meeting and had completed the counting for 43 completed voting forms on 23 January (see

the annexed page for the voting results).

55． The Chairman announced that the T&TC would endorse 3 priority projects. In order, these

were respectively HyD structure No. (i) NF374 (across Tin Fuk Road near Exit D of Tin Shui Wai

West Railway Station), (ii) NF451 (at the Public Transport Interchange at Lok Ma Chau Terminus)

and (iii) NF130 (across Castle Peak Road – Yuen Long Section and Fund Cheung Road).

(2) Vehicle convergence safety problems caused by the connection of the new flyover at Pok Oi

Interchange with the Yuen Long Highway Northbound Link Road and related traffic

congestion matters

56． The Chairman said that the Yuen Long District Management Committee (YLDMC) had

referred the above item to the T&TC for follow-up through the YLDMC secretary on 2 March 2017.

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The T&TC would arrange on-site visits to the above road sections during morning peak hours to

study the traffic situation and engage in discussions based on the results. The Secretariat would send

a letter to invite Members to attend the relevant inspection activities.

(Post-meeting remarks: The Secretariat sent an invitation to Members on 30 March 2017 to invite

them to attend the abovementioned inspection. The inspection was completed on 24 April.)

57． There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:05 p.m.

Yuen Long District Council Secretariat

April 2017

24

Annex

Next phase of the “Universal Accessibility Programme

Priority Projects of Yuen Long District

Voting results

HyD Structure No. /

Other public

walkway No. Location

Votes

NF70 Across On Lok Road and Long Yip Street near Long Ping West Rail

Line Station 2

NF130 Across Castle Peak Road – Yuen Long and Fung Cheung Road 25

NF143 Across Castle Peak Road – Yuen Long near Yuen Long Tung Shing

Lei Road, connecting a bus stop and Pok Oi Hospital 2

NF153 Across Castle Peak Road – Ping Shan near Ping Hing Lane 0

NF259 Across San Tin Highway, connecting Chuk Yuen to San Wai 0

NF273 Across San Tin Highway near Pok Wai 0

NF307 Across Castle Peak Road – Yuen Long section near Fung Nin Road,

connected to Yuen Long Plaza 1

NF340 Across Tin Wah Road near Tin Shing Road 21

NF341 Across Tin Shui Road and Tin Sau Road 3

NF374 Across Tin Fuk Road near Exit D of Tin Shui Wai West Rail Station 31

NF383 Across Hong Kong Wetland Park near Tin Shui Road 1

NF392 Across Tin Kwai Road and Wetland Park Road 4

NF393 Across Tung Wui Road, connecting Ng Ka Tsuen, Pat Heung and

Tung Wui Road 0

NF404 Across Long Wo Road, connecting Exit G2 of Yuen Long Station and

Ng Wo Villages of Shap Pat Heung 2

NF451 At the Public Transport Interchange at Lok Ma Chau Terminus 30

NS223 Across Tin Shing Road and Tin Yan Road near Tin Lung Road 2

YL01 Across Tin Yiu Road near Tin Shui Wai Police Station and Tin Sheng

Shopping Centre 4

minutes of the 2nd meeting of the traffic and transport ... · 3/9/2017 · samuel engineer/yuen...

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