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Following is a question by the Hon Albert Chan and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, at the Legislative Council meeting today (July 7) :

Question:

I have recently received many complaints that the noise from some bus terminals causes severe nuisances to the residents in the vicinity. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the number of such complaints relating to noise nuisances received in each of the past three years; and

(b) whether it has taken measures to solve the noise problem; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

Madam President,

(a) In 2001, 2002 and 2003, Government departments received 31, 32 and 24 complaints respectively against noise nuisances caused by bus terminals.

(b) These complaints were mainly concerned with noise generated by the engines or braking systems of buses moving inside and entering or leaving the terminals, thus causing nuisances to nearby residents. In response to these complaints, the Environmental Protection Department and the Transport Department would request the bus companies to adopt effective measures to reduce noise, including reminding bus drivers to pay heed to noise emitted from buses when driving in the vicinity of residential areas by observing good driving practices. Bus drivers were reminded to avoid unnecessary honking, deceleration and acceleration. Bus companies were also advised to maintain and repair their fleet regularly and monitor the noise emission levels of engines and braking systems of buses so as to keep noise emission to a minimum. After the bus companies concerned have implemented these improvement measures, the majority of the complainants do not lodge another complaint.

In addition, when identifying sites for new bus terminals, noise impact on adjacent residential premises is one of the major factors to be considered. For this purpose, relevant departments will observe the relevant provisions in the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines in determining land use and design and layout of buildings. Open-form bus terminals will be located away from noise sensitive uses (such as residential premises) as far as possible; noise tolerant buildings, such as community halls, shopping arcades and multi-storey car parks, will be used to screen off bus terminals from residential areas. Many new housing estates have already adopted better building design and layout in accordance with the above Standards and Guidelines by locating permanent bus terminals under building podiums, shopping arcades or car parks so that these noise tolerant structures can provide noise-insulating effect, thereby reducing the noise impact of the bus terminals on nearby residents.

Ends/Wednesday, July 7, 2004

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