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The administration has proposed revisions to the Management Scheme for the Display of Roadside Non-commercial Publicity Materials to more effectively regulate roadside publicity banners, heighten traffic safety and improve the cityscape.
Following the Ombudsman's recommendations, the administration conducted a review of the management scheme with a view to making the objectives and guidelines clearer. In consideration of effective regulation and traffic safety, the administration also proposed to replace all banner locations at the central dividers of roads and those less than 10 metres downstream from pedestrian crossings or road junctions with other spots.
The 18 District Councils were consulted on the proposals in 2010. Members in general agreed that the administration should revise the relevant guidelines and step up enforcement against illegal display of publicity materials. However, some District Councils were concerned about arrangements to replace the banner locations at central dividers and those less than 10 metres downstream from pedestrian crossings or road junctions.
After consolidating the views of the District Councils, the administration now proposes to replace the banner locations at the central dividers of roads only and implement the proposal in accordance with the revised objectives and guidelines. More data will be collected to assess the need to replace banner spots less than 10 metres downstream from pedestrian crossings or road junctions. Enforcement against the illegal display of publicity materials will be stepped up.
Individuals or organisations allocated banner locations should be the chief beneficiary of the displays, and they must show their names clearly on the banners.
At present, there are about 22,400 banner locations across the territory, of which about 2,800 are at the central dividers of roads. Under the revised management scheme, these 2,800 spots will be replaced by new ones. The total number of banner locations will remain unchanged.
The revised management scheme is scheduled for implementation later this year. After the District Council election in 2011, the Lands Department will invite the incumbent District Council members and current Legislative Council members to choose the banner locations. The allocation will be completed by the end of December 2011.
The Chairmen and Vice-chairmen of the District Councils were briefed of the proposed revisions at a regular meeting between the administration and the District Councils today (June 16). The Chairmen and Vice-chairmen in general supported the revisions and the proposal to take action against all illegal display of banners. They also agreed that the revisions could heighten traffic safety and improve the cityscape.
The administration will consult the Legislative Council's Panel on Development on the proposed revisions. Members of the public are welcome to give their views. Submissions can be made to the Lands Department by post or via email.
Ends/Thursday, June 16, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:07
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