Summer days the worst for Hong Kong's narrow Southside roads

Summertime can be a nightmare for the residents of Hong Kong Island's picturesque southern coast.

The narrow, twisting roads connecting the Aberdeen Tunnel and the towns of Stanley, Shek O and Repulse Bay slow to a crawl when the sun comes out. And the fear is new developments - including more shops, hotels, homes and a large car park in Stanley - will make the situation worse, while an MTR line opening next year will connect only the Aberdeen area.

Now Southern district councillor and planning expert Paul Zimmerman is urging residents to act, by getting behind his call for restrictions on tour coaches.

"We raised the issue several times in the district council. But unless the people voice out their concern, nothing will change," said Zimmerman, CEO of Designing Hong Kong.

He has set up an online petition so the public can demand action on the situation, which he says is at its worst from April to June, then just before classes resume in September.

Maxine Yao, 38, has lived in Stanley for 15 years. But she has noticed its environment taking a dramatic turn for the worse. On one occasion, her daughters were some three hours late returning from school in Pok Fu Lam.

"One single bus having an engine problem creates a big problem. It's ridiculous."