************************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Transport Advisory Committee:
The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) was briefed by the Government today (March 22) on the provision of hillside escalator links and elevator systems, footbridges and elevated walkways, and the Government's proposals of relocating a number of operation centres of the Transport Department (TD) to the West Kowloon Government Offices (WKGO).
The TAC Chairman, Mr Larry Kwok, said, "Members are pleased to note the Government's funding proposals for the construction of five projects which target to enhance the accessibility of hillsides and urban areas, which will be discussed at the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Transport tomorrow (March 23). These projects comprise three lift and pedestrian walkway systems in Tsing Yi, Kwai Chung and Kowloon City, as well as an elevated walkway in Tseung Kwan O and a footbridge in Tsuen Wan. Members also noted that, subject to the support of the LegCo Panel on Transport, the Government plans to seek the endorsement of the LegCo Public Works Subcommittee, and then to seek funding approval from the Finance Committee, so that the projects could be taken forward progressively from the fourth quarter of this year.
"Members are pleased to note that the Government is actively taking forward these proposals to provide convenient access for the public, especially for the convenience of the elderly and those travelling to and from uphill areas. Members agree that the Government should continue its efforts to provide convenient access for the public, particularly in the face of an ageing population."
Members were told at the meeting that the Government proposes to relocate a number of the TD's operation centres to WKGO. These operation centres include the three Area Traffic Control Centres currently located in Harbour Building, Immigration Tower and Kowloon Government Offices, as well as the Emergency Transport Coordination Centre and the Traffic Control and Surveillance Systems Centre in Immigration Tower. The relocation of these operation centres to WKGO will be at an estimated cost of about $129 million.
Mr Kwok said, "Members support the Government's proposal. The co-location of the operation centres in WKGO would enable staff and other resources to be used most efficiently and facilitate overall monitoring of the entire city's traffic situation and handling of cross-district traffic incidents by the TD."
Ends/Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Issued at HKT 17:41
NNNN
