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In consideration of the ageing population, the Government will implement a new policy to provide a "universally accessible" environment to make barrier-free access even more user-friendly, so as to meet fully people's aspirations.
A Government spokesman said today (August 21) that according to the new policy, the Government would, from now on, treat lifts and ramps equally when thinking about what types of barrier-free access facilities should be installed at walkways (i.e. footbridges, elevated walkways and subways). This would be a change from the current practice in which priority would be given to ramps.
"As long as site conditions permit, we will consider installing lifts at walkways where there is already a standard ramp installed. After a lift has been installed, we will evaluate whether to keep the ramp or demolish it to make way for city improvements such as a more spacious pavement or roadside greening," the spokesman said.
"To expedite the implementation of works, instead of adhering to the existing policy to install lifts at walkways on a package-by-package basis subject to funding availability, we will seek approval of the Legislative Council Finance Committee to establish a dedicated funding source for this 'universal accessibility' programme on an annual basis. We expect provision of about $100 million in the coming year, rising to over $1 billion annually in the few years following."
At present, the Government has some 230 suggested project items on hand based on the ongoing plans and requests from various districts. The list of items is available at Highways Department's website (www.hyd.gov.hk) and at various District Offices for public inspection.
From now till the end of October, members of the public are welcome to make further suggestions on locations of walkways where lifts should be installed. In making the suggestions, simply contact the Government 1823 Call Centre by dialling 1823, using the "Tell me@1823" mobile app, visiting the website at www.1823.gov.hk/barrierfree, or leaving a wall post on the "1823 Online" Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/1823Online).
The spokesman said a final prioritised list of all the suggestions received would be compiled in consultation with the relevant District Councils for implementation. Once a project is confirmed to be technically feasible, the Government will start the design and construction work as soon as possible.
The Government has produced a leaflet to introduce the new policy. Members of the public can download it from the Highway Department's website (www.hyd.gov.hk) or collect it from the District Offices.
Ends/Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Issued at HKT 17:07
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