A university transport analyst has called for the Mid-Levels moratorium - a 1972 measure designed to keep development in the area in line with traffic capacity - to be properly enforced and extended to Southern District.
The measure is under review after an Ombudsman's report in September criticised the Planning Department for failing to adhere to it by approving a 10-storey condominium above three levels of car parks on a lot allocated for a two-storey house with an 11-metre height limit.
'The government should contain the density of property development in all areas with rising traffic problems, not just the Mid-Levels,' University of Hong Kong analyst Yung Hon-ching said.
'Traffic problems induced by sprawling development do not affect a single area, but continue to spread when drivers seek alternative routes to avoid the jam.'
The government said it had worked against traffic congestion on Hong Kong Island over the years through measures like rationalisation of bus services, traffic control and parking restrictions.
But Dr Yung said the problem should be addressed at its root.