A comprehensive review will be conducted to explore what more can be done to relieve traffic congestion in the Mid-Levels Moratorium area and whether there is a continued need for the development clampdown, the Environment, Transport & Works Bureau says.

The outcome will be made public and the public will be kept posted on developments.

In response to the Ombudsman's investigation report on the moratorium's administration today, the bureau said it accepted the recommendation that it should consider whether measures are necessary to supplement, strengthen or replace the moratorium, which is an administrative measure.

Close co-ordination

However, the bureau disagreed with the Ombudsman's conclusion with respect to the way the moratorium has been administered and her assessment of the moratorium's effectiveness.

All along, there has been close co-ordination among bureaux and departments in administering the moratorium. It has contributed towards containing the problem of traffic congestion in the Mid-Levels.

The bureau also strongly disagreed with the Ombudsman's claim that there had been any "liberal" or "loose" approach by the Lands Department in determining development intensity.

The Mid-Levels Moratorium, introduced in 1972 on traffic and transport grounds, was never intended to prohibit development or redevelopment in the Mid-Levels, but to restrict it to what is permissible under existing leases.

In light of the traffic assessment and the known extent of development then, it was concluded that for the Mid-Levels area, all further sales of Government land, and all further modifications of Government leases to permit more intensive development, should be deferred.

Administrative measure

As for leases that are unrestricted in terms of development rights, the Government cannot unilaterally impose a limit if the proposed redevelopment complies with the outline zoning plan and the Buildings Ordinance.

The moratorium cannot override private property rights. The Lands Department must respect the development rights as permitted under the lease.

Noting the moratorium is only one of the measures taken to tackle traffic congestion, the bureau said other measures, such as building new roads, implementing traffic-management measures, and introducing public transport services have also been adopted.

The MTR West Island Line implementation details are being finalised. When completed, the new rail will ease the pressure for more vehicular traffic in the area.