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Members of the Transport Advisory Committee were briefed by the management of the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) on the fares of the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line at the committee's meeting today ( May 18).
"As the spur line is an extension of the East Rail system, we note that KCRC has decided to follow the existing East Rail fare structure in setting its fares. The corporation has also taken into consideration passenger acceptance, market competition and the project cost in the fare-setting exercise," TAC Chairman, Ms Teresa Cheng Yuek-wah, said.
TAC was also briefed on spur line's service features, including the design and operation of the terminal building and its connection with the Mainland side, which provides the second railway crossing in Hong Kong.
Members were also briefed on the progress of the measures to enhance safety of reversing goods vehicles. They noted that the Transport Department had been working closely with District Councils to identify priority road sections for improvements.
"Traffic management measures, such as adding traffic signs and barriers and restricting vehicle access, are useful in enhancing safety at narrow roads. We are pleased to see that local circumstances and the views of the local community are taken into account," Ms Cheng said.
Members were briefed on the findings of a study by the Transport Department to identify suitable reversing devices for goods vehicles.
"We are pleased to see that the Government has studied the commonly used reversing device and has recommended a set of performance requirements on the scope of vision of such device," Ms Cheng said.
However, members noted from the findings of Transport Department's study that some goods vehicles commonly found in Hong Kong would have to install extra fittings and cameras in order to meet the performance requirements. Besides, reversing video device may not be able to pick up reliable images at all times since its image will be affected by the external environment such as weather condition or illumination level.
TAC notes that the Government would consult the trade on the details of the performance requirements and the practicalities for applying the reversing video device to various types of goods vehicles before further deliberating on making such use on all goods vehicles mandatory.
"After all, any reversing device can only be regarded as an auxiliary device. Drivers' attitude and behaviour are of paramount importance. We note that the Government has stepped up publicity and education effort on different fronts and will continue with such effort. We would like to urge drivers to take extra care when they reverse their vehicles," Ms Cheng said.
Ends/Friday, May 18, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:14
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