All lifts in the pedestrian walkway system equipped with CCTVs, Mable Chan said

A total of 600 lifts are operating in the pedestrian walkway system under the Highways Department (HyD), all installed with surveillance cameras, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan revealed in the Legislative Council meeting Wednesday (Sep 25).  

In response to DAB lawmaker Ben Chan Hang-pan’s inquiry on the possibility of using recording-capable surveillance cameras for crime prevention, Mable Chan emphasized that all lifts are fitted with emergency alarms and communication systems to ensure safety. Users can press the emergency alarm button for help in case of emergencies. 

Authorities are currently not considering adopting recording-capable surveillance cameras for the additional costs and long-term maintenance expenses involved, Chan stated. 

Chan Hang-pan further raised concerns on the frequency of breakdowns of the two lifts of the Lift and Pedestrian Walkway System between Castle Peak Road and Kung Yip Street, Kwai Chung. 

Mable Chan explained that the malfunctions were due to debris accumulation, after inspections by the HyD and the elevator contractor. She added that lift conditions have improved over the past six months due to enhanced cleaning efforts. In addition, a predictive maintenance system has been implemented to monitor operational data and identify faults. 

She also stressed the government's commitment to enhancing hygiene standards in response to lawmaker Lau Chi-pang’s remarks on hygiene issues with some lifts, adding that new technologies have been introduced to improve sanitation, such as nano-self-cleaning coatings.