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I refer to the letter from A. M. Davy-Hou ('New bricks dislodged and dangerous', South China Morning Post, November 1) about the paving blocks at Kennedy Road, Mid-Levels.
The Highways Department is committed to enhancing the streetscape of Hong Kong to keep pace with other world cities with quality paving blocks, which give a better appearance and harmony to the environment. Besides being aesthetically pleasing, these blocks can be re-used after road opening works and they prevent the need for noisy concrete-breaking work when a pavement is excavated. Thus, the use of paving blocks is more environmentally friendly in terms of pollution and economical in the use of materials.
Regarding the recently laid paving blocks at Kennedy Road and those being put down at Macdonnell Road, the department has closely supervised the works and the completed pavements comply with the required standard, just like the paving blocks referred to by your correspondent around Hong Kong Park.
However, at certain locations in Kennedy Road the pavement has been damaged by illegal parking especially by heavy lorries and shuttle buses, resulting in subsidence and broken blocks.
We have stepped up our inspection work so that we can rectify this problem.
We have also asked the Transport Department and police to see if appropriate measures can be taken to deter illegal parking and take appropriate enforcement action.
W. H. LUK
Senior Engineer
Public Relations
Highways Department
