THERE ARE NO roads on Lamma Island. So why are residents of the once-tranquil 13.6-square-kilometre island complaining about tear-away vehicles? A spate of protests has not resulted in any visible official action against four-wheeled 'village vehicles', which are now ubiquitous on paths designed for pedestrians.
Irate Lamma residents intend to take their grievances to environmental groups and the six Legislative Councillors representing the New Territories West constituency, which includes the island.
'There seems no accountability nor transparency,' contends one resident, Vince Loden, a computer professional who has lived on Lamma for a decade.
That's a frustration shared by other residents. Elaine Kwok Yin-ning is concerned about speeding on quiet island paths. 'In Yung Shue Wan village, they obey speed restrictions, but in other areas, they drive like lunatics,' she contends. 'They have no intention of stopping or giving way to people.'
The situation is a legal and political morass. The current bitter row can be traced back to a 1987 decision to permit the vehicles on rural roads, including outlying islands. The aim was to aid indigenous residents to carry farm produce and construction materials.
Like other moves meant to help rural residents, the intent was laudable. The regulations introduced by the Transport Department meant, basically, that vehicles of an engine size up to 300cc could be driven on narrow pedestrian trails.
Drivers must be 18 or over but do not need regular driving licences. There is no speed limit for the 68 vehicles permitted to operate on Lamma from 7am to 11pm daily. The only restriction is a ban on using Lamma Main Road in Yung Shue Wan on Saturday afternoons or Sundays.