'We have had numerous minor accidents at this exit and many close calls, but the police response was that no major accident has occurred. So one is led to conclude that no action will be taken until a major accident occurs - a very interesting philosophy considering there are cheap alternatives of painting a few signs on the road.

'Our management company has written numerous letters to various government agencies requesting a 'no waiting', 'keep clear' or a 'no parking' sign to be painted on the lay-by tarmac, but up to now no effective response has been received.'

The Transport Department has acknowledged the danger but declined to paint or install new traffic signs, saying they were unnecessary. However, it is considering changing the lay-by into a footpath.

'The department has been communicating with Chesterton Petty, the estate management company of Evan Court. We understand the residents' concern,' a department spokesman said.

'We have evaluated the situation and agree that the lay-by would cause a sight-line problem to exiting traffic from Evan Court in the presence of an illegally parked vehicle.

'While this problem would be alleviated by police enforcement, we are also mindful that our traffic schemes should be self-regulating as far as possible. The suggested 'no waiting' or 'keep clear' road markings on the lay-by are neither necessary nor appropriate as it may lead to a proliferation of road markings and the subsequent maintenance problems.

'As a permanent measure, we are considering converting this lay-by into a footpath. We shall closely monitor the traffic upon closure of this lay-by and shall implement further improvement measures whenever necessary.'

Francois Moirez of Stanley wrote to complain about what he described as an ugly long wall along Stanley Main Street.

'I wish to draw your attention to the erection of a concrete wall along Main Street before reaching Murray House,' he wrote. 'Besides the ugliness of the structure, it obstructs the sea view. When summer comes, it will surely reduce the sea breeze, making strolling along that road much less pleasant.

Is it going to be temporary, waiting for the 'promenade' that was announced last year, or permanent? There are already enough horrid buildings in the area such as Stanley Plaza's infantile architecture - and there is really no need to add more.'

The Civil Engineering Department apologises for the inconvenience and assures Mr Moirez that the wall will be temporary, but unfortunately, it will stay until at least 2007. The wall is necessary to minimise noise, sand and dust that will be generated by piling in the construction of a new promenade, which will be built over an existing sea wall.

'We request residents' patience but the whole area will be beautified by the promenade, scheduled for completion some time in 2007,' a senior department engineer said. The work is a joint project with the Architectural Services Department.

Daily commuter Andrew Forsyth wants to know why Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry does not enforce the no-smoking ban on the pier and ferries between Central and Yung Shue Wan, Lamma. 'Not only does this contravene the HKKF's performance pledge, but it also violates the public health ordinance on smoking,' he wrote.

'As passengers, our requests to offenders are ignored. As customers we cannot say anything to the ferry company, as our requests are also ignored.'

Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry says it is taping a new recorded announcement to discourage smoking at piers. It has also issued a new notice to crews to enforce the ban aboard ferries, and call the police if necessary.

'For the problem of smoking on board, notices about smoking have been placed in prominent areas on board,' said a company statement to Take Action.

'Notices have been issued to remind crew members to execute the ordinance. If passengers are not co-operative, cases will be reported to the police and relevant authorities.'