Tougher controls on tugs and barges using the Rambler Channel were demanded after a barge's tow cable broke, leaving it to smash into the Tsing Yi South Bridge early yesterday.
Among proposals were the use of a patrol vessel to monitor operations, amending legislation to ban barges with large cranes, and improving radar.
Legislator and district board member Lee Wing-tat said the Government had proposed a study on the installation of radar at the channel approaches.
Mr Lee said tighter controls were needed before 1998, when three new bridges will span the Rambler Channel.
Marine Police said the tug, Hover No 2, was towing the 44-metre lighter Chi Wan No 1 to Container Terminal 5 when the cable broke.
The barge drifted about 30 metres until its boom struck the bridge, smashing railings and damaging a seven-metre concrete section.
