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Following is a question by the Hon Albert Chan and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, in the Legislative Council today (December 3):
Question:
Since November 2000, the Government has implemented a new policy whereby engineering solutions (i.e. by way of retrofitting of barriers and enclosures, and resurfacing with low noise material) will be implemented where practicable at existing excessively noisy roads in order to address the noise impact of existing roads on residents in the neighbourhood. Yet, some members of the public have pointed out that the progress of such works is so slow that presently many residents are still affected by the nuisance of traffic noise. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the names of the roads at which such works have been completed, and the completion dates of these works;
(b) of the names of the roads at which such works are in progress, and the expected completion dates of these works; and
(c) whether such works will be implemented at other roads; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
(a) It is the Government's policy to implement engineering solutions, where practicable, at existing excessively noisy roads to retrofit noise barriers and test low noise surfacing materials at local roads to mitigate the nuisance to residents caused by road traffic noise. The names of the roads at which such works have been completed with completion dates are listed at Annex 1.
(b) The names of the roads at which such works are in progress with expected completion dates are listed at Annex 2.
(c) The names of the roads for which such works are under preparation for commencement with expected completion dates are listed at Annex 3.
The Environmental Protection Department and the Highways Department will continue to study the need and feasibility of noise barrier retrofitting and low noise resurfacing works at existing roads with high traffic noise. Subject to availability of resources, we will continue to include more road sections into the relevant works programmes.
Ends/Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Issued at HKT 15:46
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