The Transport & Housing Bureau is studying whether to appeal a High Court ruling which may hinder construction of the urgently needed Central-Wan Chai bypass.

Justice Hartmann today ruled the temporary reclamation required to construct the bypass conflicts with the Harbour Protection Ordinance. He said even temporary reclamation works must override public need under the ordinance.

The bureau is studying the judgment to determine its impact on the project and whether to lodge an appeal. It reiterated the bypass is of prime importance to resolving the serious traffic congestion in northern Hong Kong Island. The project was originally estimated to be completed by the end of 2016.

Transport complaints

Transport Advisory Committee Chairman Teresa Cheng said members are worried a further delay in the project will worsen congestion and urged the Government to respond to the situation quickly by implementing short-term alleviation measures.

Meanwhile, the number of complaints and suggestions received by the committee's Transport Complaints Unit fell to 20,190 last year, down 0.3% on the previous year. Of the complaints, 76% were related to public transport services, 15% to enforcement matters, and 6% to traffic conditions. Cases related to taxi services rose to 7,717 from 7,051 in 2006.

On proposals to increase taxi flag-fall fares to $18, the committee said it has collected views from the industry and the public, and its report will be issued in mid-May.