Over 80 road parking meters to increase fares

At least 80 parking meters across the Taipa, Nam Van and ZAPE areas will be subject to a plan to implement fare increases, said Lam Hin San, the new Transport Bureau head, after his first meeting with the Transport Services Committee.
“Such parking meters are convenient for citizens who have urgent errands to run,” stressed Lam, who believes that the approach is targeted at those commercial areas or others where there is a limited amount of space for parking, despite public opposition against the official decision.
Traffic planning in the reclaimed Zone A was the major subject of the advisory body’s meeting. One of its members, Kou Kun Pang, told journalists that the committee had demanded more “solid figures” from the bureau that could justify its design and described their preliminary evaluation as “insufficient,” requiring the bureau to give the proposal more meticulous consideration. “We are absolutely concerned with whether or not the current road network can really support [that huge population],” he said.
The government’s initial plan also triggered concerns among the committee members over whether the heavily populated land would have optimal transportation ready in time, if the light rail transit was yet to be operational.
Speaking of the authorities’ much-criticized U-turn in their decision to retain the existing monthly pass scheme, Kou clarified that previous proceedings show a coherent stance from the government in making the current passes stay.
“I think there are lots of misunderstandings involved in the process for everyone, including me,” Kou explained, also stressing that the authorities did not change their plan.
Separately, the proposed vehicle tax update mandates that tour buses will no longer be exempt from taxation. This measure drew flak from the travel sector, who argued that it could deal a blow to small-sized tourist agencies. Responding to this accusation, both Lam and Kou insisted that the tax update was “fair” in many senses.
“All judgment or decisions must be based on some scientific considerations and logical thinking; we have to strike a balance facing different demands from society,” said the bureau head in English.
“In my own opinion, I think it’s fair. When you purchase a car, the government cannot just charge more tax if you are rich, or less tax if you’re poor,” Kou added.
According to the authorities, the pilot bus-only lane along the carriageway in the inner harbor precinct will not be in place before next month. Staff reporter

lam happy with new position and new colleagues

One week after he took office, Lam has expressed his delight with his new team, which he claims is “very energetic and eager to work for citizens.” The new bureau head says he was welcomed with great support. Kou believes his diligence will make him a good fit for his managerial position.