The Government proposes to amend the Shipping and Port Control Regulations (Cap. 313A) and the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (General) Regulation (Cap. 548F) to impose height restrictions for vessels passing through the navigation channels of the two link roads of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB), namely the Hong Kong Link Road (HKLR) and the Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL).

     A spokesman for the Transport and Housing Bureau said, "The amendments are necessary to regulate the nearby marine traffic to ensure navigation safety with the completion of the HZMB."

     The height restrictions, ranging from 5 to 41 metres, will be imposed along the HKLR and the Southern Connection of the TM-CLKL. To further regulate marine traffic along the HKLR, vessels exceeding 10m in length and passing through the three highest arches of the HKLR will be separated by two one-way channels. This arrangement is modelled on the one-way traffic measure adopted for the Kap Shui Mun Bridge.

     The Legislative Council's Panel on Economic Development, the Traffic and Transport Committee of the Islands District Council and relevant advisory and consultative committees of the Marine Department have been consulted. Members supported the legislative proposals.

     The proposed amendments are gazetted today (May 19) and will be tabled at the Legislative Council on May 24 for negative vetting.

Ends/Friday, May 19, 2017
Issued at HKT 11:00

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