TNAG-0952-FCO40-1171-Legislation-for-aerial-ropeways-(cable-cars)-in-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 3

For discussion

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HKK 170/3

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51 2 4 NOV 1980

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INDEX

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on 18th November 1980

REGISTRY

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Action Take CR (80) 260 32

AW2 414

24opy No

MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

AERIAL ROPEWAYS (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980

AERIAL ROPEWAYS (OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1980

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Introduction

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On 16th March 1976, having considered memorandum XCR (76)36, the Council advised and the Governor ordered, that subject to certain amendments, the Aerial Ropeways (Safety) Bill 1976 should be introduced into the Legislative Council. The bill came into force on 30th April 1976, Subsequently, having considered memorandum XCR (77)268, the Aerial Ropeways (Operation and Maintenance) Regulations were approved on 11th October 1977. The prime aim of the Ordinance and Regulations was to bring Hong Kong into line with generally accepted international practice on the regulation of the operation of aerial ropeways, particularly with regard to safety. Both were drawn up in accordance with the main provi- sions of the Organizzazione Internazionale dei Transporti a Fune (OITAF) which is the international body responsible for recommending on the construction and operation of cable car systems designed for the trans- portation of the public.

Background

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Hong Kong has at present one aerial ropeway in operation, at Ocean Park. But others may be developed in the future and there are already proposals for a ropeway at Discovery Bay. For all systems the most stringent standards of safety are essential. Since the introduction of the Ocean Park system in 1977, the Director of Public Works has monitored its operation: visits have also been made to other ropeways in Europe to gather further information and expertise on this field. The Ocean Park authorities have always co-operated with the Director of Public Works in carrying out his suggestions and requirements in the operation of their ropeway. However, as a result of general experience gained since 1977, a number of amendments to the Ordinance and Regulations are considered necessary to give owners of ropeways adequate powers to ensure the safe operation of the railway and to define an owner's responsibility in this regard. Accordingly, the Aerial Ropeways (Safety) (Amendment) Bill 1980, at Annex A, and the Aerial Ropeways (Operation and Maintenance) (Amendment) Regulations 1980, at Annex B, are now submitted to Members for advice.

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G.S. 84

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