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BEAM P
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UILDINGS
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SPECTS
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ERSION
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2 L
OCAL
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RANSPORT
Copyright © 2012 BEAM Society Limited. All rights reserved.
Page 34
The principle is to demonstrate easy access for the public; applicants are
required to measure from the main access points of the development.
Future services/facilities provisions not operable at the time of building
completion will be considered if they will be in operation no later than one
year after obtained the Occupation Permit (OP) for the proposed
development.
B
ACKGROUND
The increasing number of private vehicles in Hong Kong not only
increases pressure on the highway and urban traffic system, but also
worsens local air pollution. The most urgent problem to be resolved
comes from fossil fuel burning vehicles, often aggravated by the street
canyon effect of high-rise buildings. Exhaust fumes from cars contain
volatile organic compounds: some of these are known carcinogens while
others contribute to photochemical smog by assisting in the rapid
formation of ozone in the atmosphere. The exhaust fumes also contain
CO, CO
2
, NO
x
and SO
2
which contribute a variety of environmental
problems. Apart from the health effects of traffic fumes, motor vehicles
also generate noise, another environmental nuisance.
Part of the solution to the air pollution problem is to reduce the use of
private vehicles and taxis. Building users should be encouraged to use
public transport to and from the building. Provision of pedestrian links
which allow easy access to major public transport systems and local
amenities can discourage use of private transport, thereby reducing air
and noise pollution.
The adequacy of a shuttle bus service may be demonstrated by data
showing capacity, frequency, service hours, and the percentage of
building users that can be transported during peak periods of commuting.