12.
Tsing Ma Control Area Bill gazetted
The Tsing Ma Control Area (TMCA) Bill was published in the Government Gazette today (Friday).
The TMCA is an integrated expressway system connecting Kowloon with North Lantau. It consists of the Kwai Chung and Tsing Yi Section of Route 3, Ting Kau Bridge, Lantau Link and Yam O Section of North Lantau Expressway.
A Government spokesman explained that the TMCA Bill would provide for the management and operation of the Area, the traffic regulations within it and imposition and collection of tolls, fees and charges.
He added that the provisions in the Bill were similar to those in the Road Tunnels (Government) Ordinance (Chapter 368).
"Legislation is required to provide for powers to carry out such functions as regulating traffic, imposing and collecting tolls and maintaining the Area," he said.
"In line with the existing policy of involving the private sector in managing Government tunnels and car parks, the management, operation and maintenance of the TMCA will be contracted out. This arrangement will enhance efficiency and cost effectiveness."
The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council on October 30, 1996. Subsidiary legislation including regulations relating to tolls, fees and charges will be introduced in the first quarter of 1997.
The TMCA will commence operation in May 1997.
End
New air pollution control order gazetted
The Air Pollution Control (Specified Processes)(Removal of Exemption) Order 1996 is gazetted today (Friday),
The order will remove exemptions granted to existing organic chemical works and rendering works, such as oil terminals, organic chemical plants and lard boiling factories.