The Executive Council endorsed a new policy in November 2000 to address the noise impacts from existing roads. The new policy has two strands: to retrofit barriers on existing roads and to re-surface local roads with low-noise material.

Retrofitting Barriers

Some 30 road sections with noise exceeding 70 dB(A) have been identified as technically feasible for retrofitting noise barriers. In addition, proposed noise barriers on Fanling Highway originally covered by the 24 Hour Opening of Border Crossings project will also be injected into the retrofitting progamme for implementation. The criteria for this include requirements that the barrier not obstruct emergency access or fire-fighting; that it not reduce road safety or impede pedestrian and vehicular movements; that it not cause severe disruption to commercial or social activities; and that there be adequate space for the barrier or enclosure. A tentative programme (see Figure) costing about HK$2,500 million has been approved. When completed, 25 000 flats will have noise levels lowered by one to 19 decibels and 70 per cent of residents along the roads will have noise lowered to below the 70 dB(A) limit.

Resurfacing Local Roads

Low-noise road surfacing materials can reduce noise by up to 3 dB(A) and 72 local road sections have been deemed suitable for the surfaces. The roads connot be on an incline, have a sharp bend or sharp turning movement, or exceed 18 500 vehicles per day (of which less than 35 per cent could be commercial vehicles). Half of the roads are borderline cases and will need frequent re-surfacing, but once all 72 road sections are re-paved, 40 000 flats will be benefited.