Lai SeeGovernment sets example with illegal parking in Central

Good to see the government leading from the front, so to speak. Our picture today shows a government car (AM 65) illegally occupying a part of Central outside the Hong Kong Club that is marked as a no-parking area. There is also a sign that says waiting vehicles will be prosecuted. Meanwhile, two of Asia's finest look on unconcerned.

Why is it that nobody complains that this consistently low-level law breaking undermines the rule of law?

Another reader, having observed the same area on another occasion, asked two nearby police officers: "Is this a car park?" "No, it's a waiting area" was the response. "Really, then why does that sign say 'waiting will be prosecuted'?" No answer from the police on this.

Next question: "Can I bring my car and park it here?" Again, no answer. "Do you prosecute anyone who parks here?" This time, the response was: "Sometimes, it depends on the traffic conditions." Next question: "But not today?" The police response: "No."

We have also received an irate email from a reader complaining about waiting seven-seaters lining the left lane at the bottom of Blue Pool Road, in the morning and afternoon probably because there are a few schools in the area. The other day, she nearly crashed into a car as she was forced to drive on the "wrong" side of the road because two waiting seven-seaters were blocking her lane.