TNAG-0676-FCO40-825-Legislation-for-summary-offences-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 5

G.S. 84

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XCR(77)238

(c) that noise reduction equipment and baffling

arrangements appropriate to each area specified in the Schedule (Annex B) and as approved by the Director of Public Works shall be provided and used within such area at all times;

(d) that blasting shall be prohibited outside the con-

fines of the tunnel between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a. m.; and

(e) that the Director of Public Works may order

work to be stopped if he considers that the noise created by the works is causing un- necessary disturbance and annoyance to the public.

Breach of any of these conditions would be an offence against the Summary Offences Ordinance. Specific clauses for noise reduc- tion have also been written into the Contract in anticipation of exemption for night work being granted. The Director of Public Works considers that these clauses, together with the conditions as proposed above, will provide sufficient protection to the neighbouring residents and prevent any unnecessary noise nuisance being caused by the contractor's operations.

Public Relations Aspects

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The Commissioner of Police, the Director of Home Affairs and the Secretary for the New Territories have been con- sulted on the request for exemption. The Commissioner of Police has no objection. The view of the Director of Home Affairs is that, though complaints from the residents neighbouring the works areas are expected, experience of MTR construction works in the vicinity of the south works area has shown that the residents there are reasonably tolerant and cooperative. The Secretary for the New Territories expects a similar reaction from those living to the north of the tunnel. In view of the stringent noise pollution control measures which will be adopted and the relatively small number of premises affected, it is not expected that there will be any large- scale adverse public reaction to the exemption. Should Honourable Members advise that the Exemption Order at Annex B be made, staff from Sha Tin District Office, City District Office (Kowloon City) and Public Works Department will conduct visits to explain the situation direct to the residents in order to allow them to have a better understanding of the need for night work and to seek their further cooperation. The Director of Home Affairs will also arrange to invite the residents to attend a briefing, to be conducted by engineers from the Public Works Department,

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