It's only 2.2 kilometres long but a stretch of road in Sai Kung shared by cars and hikers may be the most overgoverned access way in Hong Kong.
Lung Ha Wan Road, which leads to an entrance to Clear Water Bay Country Park, is under the jurisdiction of three government departments - the Transport Department, the Home Affairs Department through the Sai Kung District Office, and the Lands Department - which have responsibility for three separate segments ranging from a two-lane carriageway to a narrow track.
However, none has been able to deal with hikers' complaints about the perils of increasing traffic volumes on the road since an equestrian centre opened at the end in 2008.
The Ombudsman blames the Lands Department, which is responsible for the lower section of the road, for not being 'proactive' enough in addressing the dangers.
'In the past, we could even have lain down on the road as there were fewer cars and pedestrians,' hiker Chan Chi-ming, 60, said. 'Now, we have to take frequent notice of car sounds and be alert to dodge away from vehicles.'
The first section, about 450 metres long and managed by the Transport Department, is two-way with footpaths on either side. A spokesman said it was designed to the department's standards and no improvement work was needed.
The second section, of about 470 metres, which passes several villages, is narrower. It is managed by the Sai Kung District Office and has speed humps to slow traffic.
