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Wednesday, December 13, 1972
CONTROL OF ADVERTISING SIGNS
Changes in Law Under Consideration
Urgent attention is being given to tighten existing regulations
governing the installation and control of advertising and decoration signs.
This was stated today in the Legislative Council by the Director
of Urban Services, the Hon. D.R.W, Alexander, in answer to a question raised
by the Hon. Szeto Wai.
Mr. Alexander said that under the existing legislation the Director
of Fire Services was authorised to order the removal or repair of any hoarding
or sturcture which, in his opinion, constituted a fire hazard or obstructed
fire escape exits in buildings.
Prior approval from the Director was also required for the erection
of neon signs, and the Director was empowered to order the removal of such
signs if they constituted a serious fire risk.
Mr. Alexander said the Director of Fire Services fully supported the
proposed changes in the existing legislation.
"However, because of limitation of staff and the priorities set by
the Fire Services Department, all affecting the well being and safety of the
community, it will not be possible for the Director to embark on urgent action
to order the removal of all signs contravening the regulations," Mr. Alexander
said.
He added that the Director would continue to do whatever he considered
necessary for this purpose.
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