Lantau residents in Hong Kong fear plans to increase vehicle use on restricted roads
Lantau residents fear their environment will be ruined by Transport Department proposals to allow more vehicles to enter the restricted and ecologically sensitive southern part of the island.
They criticised the department, which wants to promote tourism and the economy, for failing to conduct a public consultation.
Officials want 50 tour buses a day to be allowed to use the restricted roads, up from 30 now, and 50 private cars on weekdays, except public holidays, after Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying ordered a review of the arrangement.
Thirty-six community groups received a fax or email from the department early this month and were given 19 days to submit their views. The department aims to implement the plan later in the year.
Eddie Tse Sai-kit of the Save Lantau Alliance said more than 85 per cent of 1,900 people polled in its recent survey were against the relaxation of restrictions.
"Fifty private cars a day may not sound a lot now, but it is a trial only and there will be more to come," Tse feared. "Lantau is a place for seeking peace."
