Hong Kong is intensifying its crackdown on illegal activities, focusing on unauthorized building works and illegal street racing. Recent reports indicate significant findings by local authorities, raising concerns about public safety across various sectors.
According to the latest inspections, Hong Kong authorities have discovered about 100,000 illegal structures within village houses, highlighting widespread violations of building regulations. Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn confirmed these findings after inspections conducted by the Buildings Department, noting these illegal structures were detected at around half of the inspected village homes. She detailed how 60,000 homes were involved, with more than 30,000 yet to be inspected, indicating the scale and severity of the issue.
These inspections reveal alarming details, such as unauthorized additional floors and enclosed balconies. With the current manpower limitations, Linn explained the need for a phased approach to manage these illegal structures, which poses immediate safety concerns for residents. "It should not be the case [that structures] this big can be retained after simply getting someone to carry out an inspection," Linn stated, emphasizing the necessity of stricter enforcement.
The government is also proposing amendments to the Buildings Ordinance, aiming to increase penalties for serious breaches involving unauthorized works. Under these proposals, owners could now face fines of up to HK$300,000, up from the previous HK$200,000, and potential imprisonment of up to two years for non-compliance. The maximum fine for landlords who construct unauthorized structures, such as basements, may rise dramatically from HK$400,000 to HK$2 million, indicating the government’s firm stance on enforcing safety and legality within the housing sector.
To address the issue with more flexibility, authorities are considering granting leniency for minor illegal structures like air conditioning support frames and laundry racks. This proposal revives a previous mechanism from 2011, which allowed owners to declare small modifications, postponing the issuance of removal orders. Under this new plan, owners would be required to engage professional surveyors for regular inspections every five years. Linn indicated, "Of the 100,000 unauthorized structures identified, at least a quarter might be granted leniency," highlighting the government's balancing act between enforcement and practicality.
Nonetheless, decisions will be made based on compliance, especially concerning structures erected before the scheme’s initiation on June 28, 2011, which will remain exempt. The push for compliance is also motivated by recent incidents, such as the discovery of illegal structures during the aftermath of landslides caused by heavy rainfall at the Redhill Peninsula, raising serious safety alarms.
On another front, the Hong Kong police recently arrested 25 individuals involved in illegal street racing, responding to public safety concerns during the busy holiday season. The police force announced plans for heightened enforcement to mitigate risks associated with illegal racing and vehicle modifications, especially as they prepare for Christmas festivities.
The police crackdown yielded multiple arrests, including individuals aged between 24 and 70. Among those detained, some were involved directly in street racing, with others facing charges for operating vehicles with suspended licenses or dangerous driving. This indicated the police's commitment to ensuring safety on the roads. "The force will step up enforcement ... to improve road users’ safety awareness," stated the police, signifying their proactive approach to law enforcement during this busy time of year.
During the crackdown, officers also impounded 23 vehicles suspected of modifications, which can lead to dangerously altered driving conditions. These modifications ranged from changes to suspension systems and exhaust pipes to altered steering wheels and spoilers, all of which can significantly compromise vehicle safety and, by extension, public safety on the roads.
The authorities are gearing up to take decisive actions against these illegal activities, aiming to combat the growing concerns surrounding public safety and compliance with building regulations. With significant numbers of illegal structures reported and the proactive measure against street racing, the Hong Kong government and its respective law enforcement agencies are determined to uphold the laws to protect citizens and maintain communal safety.
Overall, the situation reflects the government's dual focus: addressing immediate public safety threats posed by both illegal building practices and reckless driving behaviors. Authorities plan to tackle these issues head-on, and the structural reforms coupled with rigorous law enforcement signal their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Hong Kong's residents.
