Hong Kong plan for shopping zone barriers sparks debate over access, congestion
Government proposal to install barriers will enhance public safety, but move could worsen crowd congestion, Wan Chai district councillor says
Wan Chai district councillor Peggy Lee Pik-yee agreed on Wednesday with the government’s plan to introduce about 60 bollards in the area, but said the move needed to meet residential and commercial needs while strengthening public safety.
She also warned that installation works could disrupt pedestrian flows and asked the government to provide more information on expected crowds and police presence, urging relevant departments to be mindful of “unnecessary delays”.
Authorities earlier submitted a proposal to install the bollards outside Sogo department store in Causeway Bay and some pedestrian areas as a protective measure against potential vehicle-ramming attacks targeting pedestrians.
“News reports have shown that, for whatever reason, vehicles had made their way onto [the area’s] pavements in the past. Also, some drivers might not have been familiar with the pedestrian zone and entered unwittingly,” Lee said.
“I believe that the government’s fundamental premise in this proposal is the same as ours, that is to ensure pedestrian safety.”