THE proposals unveiled last week to solve Hong Kong's traffic problems are doomed to failure as they are too moderate. We have a serious problem of traffic congestion and air pollution. Both are caused by too many vehicles. The solution is easy - reduce the number of vehicles. The real question is how to do it.
The proposal from Legislator Miriam Lau to build more roads and tunnels flies in the face of experience overseas that more roads lead to more vehicles. It is truly depressing to hear such simplistic suggestions from a Legco member who should be well-informed on the subject. She is, however, correct, along with others, to point out that the Government's proposals will only have a short-lived effect. There are two main issues that need to be addressed - pollution and congestion.
A significant amount of pollution is caused by diesel lorries, vans and taxis. Impose stringent emission standards. Japan doesn't allow the taxis it sells to us on its streets so why should we? Additionally, a dedicated freight rail link to China is urgently needed to replace the enormous number of container vehicles which block up our roads.
In the meantime, such vehicles should be restricted to major roads that can handle them. Many refuse to use the Shing Mun tunnels to and from Kwai Chung because of the toll and instead use the patently overstretched route along Tai Po Road. It is also perfectly valid to target private cars as they carry fewer passengers and have no significant economic function.
Ownership of a car is not a right anymore than having a nice flat is. Implicit in all of the above suggestions is a recognition of the need to heavily invest in our already good public transport system.
Hong Kong is not a democracy and the Government has strong executive powers. In the overall interest of the economy and public health they should act boldly and solve this problem now. Singapore can do it, why can't we? LYALL BOSWELL Kowloon
