Government sets example with illegal parking in Central
Good to see the government leading from the front, so to speak. Our picture today shows a government car (AM 65) illegally occupying a part of Central outside the Hong Kong Club that is marked as a no-parking area.
Good to see the government leading from the front, so to speak. Our picture today shows a government car (AM 65) illegally occupying a part of Central outside the Hong Kong Club that is marked as a no-parking area. There is also a sign that says waiting vehicles will be prosecuted. Meanwhile, two of Asia's finest look on unconcerned.
Why is it that nobody complains that this consistently low-level law breaking undermines the rule of law?
Another reader, having observed the same area on another occasion, asked two nearby police officers: "Is this a car park?" "No, it's a waiting area" was the response. "Really, then why does that sign say 'waiting will be prosecuted'?" No answer from the police on this.
Next question: "Can I bring my car and park it here?" Again, no answer. "Do you prosecute anyone who parks here?" This time, the response was: "Sometimes, it depends on the traffic conditions." Next question: "But not today?" The police response: "No."
We have also received an irate email from a reader complaining about waiting seven-seaters lining the left lane at the bottom of Blue Pool Road, in the morning and afternoon probably because there are a few schools in the area. The other day, she nearly crashed into a car as she was forced to drive on the "wrong" side of the road because two waiting seven-seaters were blocking her lane.
The good news is that Hong Kong was ranked fourth in a survey of the best places to do business. The bad news is that Singapore came first.
The survey, carried out by the Economist Intelligence Unit, is designed to provide multinational corporations with information that helps them determine which countries offer the most welcoming environment for them to do business in. Switzerland was ranked second and Australia third, while China was 50th.
The EIU said Singapore had secured its No1 position on account of "its efficient, open economy that works hard to maintain its competitiveness as a regional hub for global businesses". Sounds almost too good to be true.
We see that the Hong Kong Green Building Council held its fifth annual award ceremony recently. This is a government organisation to promote better and greener buildings.
Ng Yuk Secondary School won the chairman's award for its green roof garden while the grand award for a completed building went to two buildings, 3a and 3b at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park. The Hong Kong Housing Authority's former Yuen Long Estate won an award, as did the Trade and Industry Tower in the Kai Tak Development Area and the Vocational Training Council's new campus in Chai Wan.
The only major private developer that got a mention was Swire Properties Management, which received the facilities management award for its Island East project.
There is no little interest in Hong Kong in the publication by the State Council of the national smoke-free law draft on its website for public comment. Although called "national rule on banning smoking in public places", it contains provisions on smoke-free areas, tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, as well as warnings on cigarette packets.
When Beijing moves on matters like this, Hong Kong jumps since it likes to think it is more advanced than the mainland. So this might finally exert some pressure here for extending smoke-free zones.
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