XN000022-1994-12-14 — Page 55

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Noise Nuisance on Route Eive

Following is a question by the Hon Albert Chan Wai-yip and a written reply by the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Tony Eason, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

J

The residents of Cheung Shan Estate Tsuen Wan have complained about the serious traffic noise nuisance on Route Five which can reach a high level of 80 decibels according to the Environmental Protection Department's measurement. However, there is at present no statutory control of traffic noise, and the residents have no way to lodge their complaints. In view of this, will the government inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

whether consideration will be given to introducing legislation to regulate traffic noise on roads in the vicinity of residential areas so as to lessen the nuisance caused to residents; and

what measures are now in place to reduce traffic noise on Route Five?

Reply:

The President,

(a) Having regard to the large number of vehicles on roads near to residential areas and other noise sensitive users, it is not practical to introduce statutory limits for overall road traffic noise. The Government is, however, preparing legislation to control the mechanical noise generated by individual vehicles. Noise emission standards will be set and vehicles registered after a certain date will have to comply with these standards. This will help mitigate traffic noise.

(b)

To reduce traffic noise on Route Five, quiet road surfacing has been applied to the section of Cheung Pei Shan Road in front of Cheung Shan Estate, and to the sections of the Shing Mun Tunnel Road on both ends of the tunnel.

End/Wednesday, December 14, 1994