A proposal to grant full taxi access to Discovery Bay, a community known for its car-light, resort-style environment, has ignited significant resident backlash.
A developer's recent submission to the Transport Department outlines a plan for unrestricted taxi entry, a move intended to address perceived transport inconveniences for an aging population and those requiring late-night travel. However, this proposal has been met with a surge of resident opposition, manifesting in a petition that has garnered over 1,100 signatures. The petition demands a more comprehensive public consultation process, advocating for at least a three-month period of engagement.
Calls for Deeper Consultation and Preservation of Character
Residents are demanding a pause on the current proposal to allow for a meaningful consultation. Their core concerns revolve around the potential impact on the neighbourhood's distinctive low-traffic, pedestrian-first character. Specific demands include:
Clear written information disseminated to every household.
A structured community survey or vote to gauge needs and options.
An assessment of legal and liability implications concerning external taxis.
Full consideration of limited or conditional solutions that maintain the area's established lifestyle.
A key argument from opponents is that decisions of this magnitude should reflect the informed will of the entire community, not just a select group of stakeholders, in order to protect the neighbourhood's unique ambience while still addressing genuine mobility needs.
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Safety and Infrastructure Worries Surface
Beyond the call for broader consultation, specific anxieties have been raised regarding safety and the practicalities of integrating a larger taxi presence. Concerns have been voiced about the potential for serious accidents, particularly relating to the interaction between taxis and the existing fleet of approximately 500 golf carts, which are registered as village vehicles. The driving standards and accident rates associated with some taxi drivers have also been cited as a point of worry, juxtaposed against the current pedestrian-friendly environment.
Historical Context and Developer's Stance
The current regulations, established in 2014, permit only limited taxi access to Discovery Bay, primarily to the North Plaza. The developer, Hong Kong Resort Co, has formally submitted a proposal to the Transport Department, citing the community's development and an aging population as reasons for the existing transport arrangements being "extremely inconvenient." The developer points to this as a "significant obstacle" for the elderly, disabled individuals, and those needing to travel after midnight.
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Meanwhile, a district councillor, who previously proposed allowing taxis within Discovery Bay, has maintained that she has received feedback from residents of both Discovery Bay and Peng Chau highlighting a need for more taxis. This sentiment appears to be at odds with the broader resident outcry observed through petitions and village owner committee meetings, some of which have shown an overwhelming opposition to the expansion. It's noted that as of November 2021, the Transport Department had not received a formal proposal from the developer for taxi expansion, indicating that a traffic impact assessment and resident consultation would be necessary.
