The construction of a concrete barrier on Old Peak Road has been halted because of objections from the public, in the latest stand-off over protective structures on public roads and pathways.
On June 5, Melanie Moore, a British corporate lawyer, noticed the barrier being built outside her home near 23 Old Peak Road. She wondered why a barrier was being built right next to a wall.
Moore contacted the Transport Department and was told that there were surface cracks in the wall. Building a taller barrier further into the one-way street would help prevent vehicles from going over the cliff if drivers lost control, it said.
The Old Peak Road is steps away from hiking trails, and many nature lovers view road improvement projects in the area as unfriendly to pedestrians.
When Moore, other residents and hikers sent letters asking for a public consultation on the concrete barrier project, construction was halted.
'Of course, I don't object to safety improvements,' Moore said. 'But I don't see how a barrier that is designed for multi-lane highways would be appropriate for such a low-traffic residential neighbourhood.'