and in order
to reassure
the public of the safety of the LRT system and the capability of the LRT to serve the residents of the North-west New Territories, a thorough investigation into the causes of the latest accident is considered necessary.
Proposal
11
Under regulation 5(1) of the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation Regulations, the Chief Secretary may
may direct an inspector to investigate into an accident. Consideration has been given to conducting an international search for a suitable candidate with relevant experience in LRT operation for the task. However, this would take time and would unduly delay the investigation. He might not have the necessary background on the local situation. Moreover, the appointment of another person for the purpose of investigating the accident is likely to undermine the credibility of
of the Railway Inspector currently in Hong Kong to inspect the safety of the railway. On the other hand, the UK Railway Inspector is readily available to immediately take on the investigation of the accident, which is within the ambit of his agreement with the Hong Kong Government.
12
UK
It is therefore proposed that the UK Railway Inspector be appointed under section 15(1) of the Ordinance and be directed under Regulation 5(1) of the KCRC Regulations to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances and causes of the fatal accident with a view to avoiding similar occurrences in the future. Arrangements can be made for the UK Railway Inspector to be assisted by a signalling expert from the UK Department of Transport presently seconded to the Hong Kong Government to work on the Area Traffic Control System. The investigation into the accident can commence this week and a report will be made available as soon as possible.
13
Meanwhile, assuming that ΠΟ inherent faults are identified following a thorough testing of the integrated signalling system at Mj14 (para. 9), it is proposed that test runs of LRVS should be allowed to resume after the Railway Inspector has finished his investigation and come to a conclusion. Suspending test runs indefinitely would only project a wrong impression about the LRT and deny both the LRV drivers and the local community the opportunity to become more familiar with the system and its operation.
CONFIDENTIAL