1962 — Page 144

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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. In reply to the second part of the question, I have been informed that the problem of this crossing, with its danger to pedestrians, has been the subject of investigation by the Police for some time. Since the crossing was opened the position has been deteriorating, with heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic. After careful considera- tion of the merits and de-merits of the various types of pedestrian crossings, and taking into account the needs of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic, the Commissioner of Police decided to close the crossing and encourage pedestrians to use the subway at the Star Ferry. It was appreciated that this would cause some inconvenience to pedestrians wishing to get to the City Hall from the area south of Connaught Road Central, but it was felt that safety must be the prime consideration.

It is intended to close the pedestrian crossing permanently. In reply to the last part of the question, I am informed that the pedestrian crossing was sited to give access to the City Hall and also to cater for pedestrians using the eastern arm of the Star Ferry. It was a provisional measure only; the long term aim is to provide a bridge.

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

CHAIRMAN: ----Certainly.

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MR. WATSON: -Mr. Chairman, in clarification of Mr. BERNACCHI'S question, the Traffic Advisory Committee was not consulted.

CHAIRMAN:-Thank you.

MR, BERNACCHI:-Do you know how many, if any, accidents have occurred at this spot when it was still a pedestrian crossing?

CHAIRMAN:-1 regret, Sir, that I do not know.

DR. BELL:-Mr. Chairman, could you find out how many accidents have been caused there? I ask that specifically because there has been a crossing in Kowloon at the bottom of Tai Po Road, at which there have been about three accidents a week, but which has not been closed by the Commissioner of Police, although it has been discussed by the Traffic Advisory Committee. It would be interesting to know how many accidents per week have occurred at the Connaught Road crossing which has now been closed.

CHAIRMAN: --I will find that out.

The

MR. BERNACCHI:-I have several supplementary questions. first is can you give any estimate of the time within which a bridge will be provided in this place?

CHAIRMAN:-That depends upon the progress of the scheme for the development of this particular Central area. Perhaps my friend, the Director of Public Works, could give an estimate.

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS:---I am afraid I am quite unable to give an estimate at the present time.

MR. BERNACCHI:-Secondly, was the matter referred to the Traffic Advisory Committee, on which this Council is represented?

CHAIRMAN: -Sir, I do not know. The decision was taken by the Commissioner of Police, but whether he consulted the Committee I do not know.

MR. BERNACCHI:--Perhaps with your permission, Sir, Mr. WATSON would be able to answer the question?

MOTIONS.

THE SECRETARY FOR CHINESE AFFAIRS, Chairman of the Standing Orders and Procedure Select Committee, moved the following motion :-

THAT the Standing Orders of this Council adopted at the meeting of the Council held on 28th June, 1955, be amended as follows:-

Standing

Order No.

10(17)

Amendment

(i) by the insertion of the following new sub-

sub-paragraph:-

"(f) that the motion be divided, provided that no new matter be introduced."

(ii) by re-numbering the existing sub-para-

graphs (f) - (m) as (g) - (n).

He said: I rise to propose the motion standing in my name concerning amendment to Standing Order No. 10(17).

MR. BERNACCHI:-I beg to second the motion.

CHAIRMAN:-In accordance with Standing Order 24, this motion now stands adjourned until the next ordinary meeting of the Council,

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