The Transport Advisory Committee supports the Government's plan to proceed with the detailed design of the reconstruction and improvement of Tuen Mun Road.

Committee chairman Jeffery Lam and other members were briefed on the plan today, and noted the road between Tsuen Wan and Sam Shing Hui has been in service for more than 20 years and is beyond economical repair.

Up to expressway standards

Reconstruction and improvement to this section of road aims to upgrade it to current expressway standards as far as practicable to minimise repair works and traffic disruption and curb rising maintenance costs.

Wishing to see the early implementation of the project, Mr Lam said members note the works will further improve traffic flow and enhance road safety. He said it is in line with the recommendation of the Report on Enhancement of Highway Safety released in December.

The detailed design of the reconstruction and improvement works of the road will start in August for completion in a year's time.

Measures to enhance school bus safety

At the same meeting, members were also briefed on proposed measures to enhance the safety of passengers on school transport vehicles. 

Apart from stepping up safety publicity, the Government proposes to require newly registered school transport vehicles to be equipped with safer seats according to the Transport Department's specifications and to make provision of escorts compulsory for school public light buses with 16 seats or less that serve kindergartens.

"It is important to offer good protection to children on board school transport vehicles, and we welcome the administration's proposals to further enhance their safety," Mr Lam said.