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Following is a question by the Dr Hon Raymond Ho and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, at the Legislative Council meeting today (May 24) :
Question:
It has been reported that the Government is actively conducting studies on the electronic road pricing (ERP) scheme, with a view to resolving the traffic congestion problem in Central District, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay areas. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) as I learnt that studies on the above scheme started a few years ago and the scheme was subsequently abandoned due to the lack of adequate alternative roads, why the authorities are actively studying the scheme now;
(b) as the authorities have already formulated plans (such as the provision of Central-Wan Chai Bypass) to improve the traffic congestion problem in Central District, etc, whether they have assessed if there is any need for the ERP scheme; if so, of the assessment results; and
(c) whether it has assessed if the ERP scheme, while achieving relief in the scheme areas, will lead to an increase in the traffic flows in other areas, thereby causing the traffic conditions in those areas to deteriorate?
Reply:
Madam President,
We have been exploring all possible measures, including electronic road pricing (ERP), to improve the traffic flow along major transport corridors, cater for traffic growth and alleviate traffic congestion. Regarding the study on ERP, we are updating the transport model developed some years ago with latest data to assess the impact of different charging scenarios on relieving traffic congestion.
When examining the ERP scheme, we will consider the effectiveness of the scheme and other traffic improvement measures, as well as the pros and cons of implementing the scheme and otherwise. We will consult the public before making any decision.
We will also assess how implementing ERP in specific areas will affect the traffic situation in other areas.
Ends/Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Issued at HKT 12:19
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