THERE can be only one possible explanation for the recent decision to paint retaining slopes a tasteless bright green - the Highways Department has gone off its trolley.

One particular slope near Choi Hung and others along Clear Water Bay Road look as if they have been evenly coated with green mint mousse, with just a dash of cream.

'It's an experiment,' said an unconvincing department spokesman. 'Someone suggested the new slopes were too bright and so we are experimenting with different colours. Some of them are being painted mud colour.' Apparently, some environmentalists thought it would be a good way to blend slopes into the surrounding scenery. Then why not paint huge murals of tower blocks or perhaps a harbour full of rubbish? Admittedly, some of the new slopes stand out like a beacon before the weather takes the edge off the sparkling grey. As it stands, reducing glare is not a bad idea. But mint green? We look forward to polka-dot yellow perhaps, or maybe a deep orange with puce. Hong Kong could become the coloured-slope centre of the world - or perhaps the laughing stock.