TAC briefed on SCL and vehicle maintenance trade registration

At their meeting today (February 24), members of the Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) were briefed on the latest progress of the Shatin to Central Link (SCL).

 Members noted the KCRC's proposal for the configuration of the SCL and the other KCRC railway network so that East Rail would be extended across the harbour to form a north-south Corridor and the SCL would link up with the West Rail to form a east-west corridor.

 Dr Cheng Hon-kwan, the Chairman of the TAC said, "The East Rail across the harbour option will offer a direct link for the East Rail and cross-boundary passengers to Hong Kong Island, and the two-way interchange at Hung Hom Station will be more convenient to passengers. We believe that the Preferred Scheme of the SCL will bring Hong Kong and the Mainland closer together and will better serve the transport needs of the community."

 Members also noted that the KCRC proposed to use an Automated People Mover system to serve Tsz Wan Shan in lieu of a deep station as originally proposed, to combine the Ma Tau Wai and To Kwa Wan stations and to add a new station at Causeway Bay North.

 "While convenience of the passengers is important in the planning of the SCL, we agree that the high risk to existing buildings associated with the construction of the Tsz Wan Shan and Ma Tau Wai Stations should not be overlooked. KCRC's proposal appears to be a prudent approach. The proposed Causeway Bay North Station will provide passengers with more convenient access to the busiest shopping area in Hong Kong Island and a more efficient interchange for passengers going to the Island east. We understand that the construction of the station will be difficult and may have an impact on the traffic at Gloucester Road. KCRC should carefully assess the impact and put in place effective measures to mitigate the impact." Dr Cheng said.

 "We note that the current programme is to finalise the SCL scheme in mid-2004, gazette it under Railways Ordinance in late 2004/early 2005 for target commissioning in stages by 2011. We believe the SCL provides a strategic link to Hong Kong Island for our Mainland travellers and NT East community and look forward to its early completion."

 At the same meeting, TAC members were also briefed on the proposed voluntary registration scheme for the vehicle maintenance trade. 

 Members noted that although mechanical defects had not been a major contributory factor in road accidents, proper maintenance of vehicles was an effective means to enhance road safety. The Administration proposes to introduce a voluntary registration scheme for vehicle mechanics and to develop a Code of Practice, guidelines and procedures on proper practices for vehicle maintenance workshops. 

 "We support the incremental approach proposed by the Administration to enhance the standards of the vehicle maintenance trade and urge the Administration to take the views of the trade into account before finalising the registration scheme." said the TAC Chairman.

Ends/Tuesday, February 24, 2004