Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy holds first meeting
The Chief Executive announced in the 2024 Policy Address to establish the Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy (the Working Group). The Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, convened the first meeting as the Head of the Working Group today (November 12).
In the meeting, the Working Group discussed the overall strategies and work plan for developing the low-altitude economy (LAE). The relevant work directions are as follows:
Regulatory Sandbox (Sandbox): the Government will take forward Sandbox pilot projects progressively, starting from early next year, in collaboration withindustry and partner organisations. The first phase is expected to mainly cover drone deliveries,withrestrictions on "flying beyond visual line of sight"tobe relaxed. The scope of low-altitude flying applications will be expanded and enriched progressively;
Enhancements to legislation: the Government will amend the relevant existing civil aviation legislation by making reference to the legislation and standards on the Mainland and other areas, having full regard to the current and long-term development need. This includes reviewing the regulatory regime applicable to larger-sized unmanned aircraft (i.e. those weighing more than 25 kilograms). The plan is to submit the proposal to the Legislative Council in the first half of 2025;
Study and plan for low-altitude infrastructure: the Government will embark on technical studies and planning for low-altitude infrastructure, including take-off/landing points, communication networks, air route networks, low-altitude surveillance and management systems; and
Greater Bay Area (GBA) low-altitude cross-boundary corridor: the Government will promote an interface with the Mainland to facilitate cross-boundary low-altitude flying activities within the GBA.
Mr Wong said, "The LAE will bring new opportunities to Hong Kong and promote the development of the economy and various industries. Adopting a forward-thinking mindset and from the perspective of a facilitator, the Working Group will enable the simulation of diversified scenarios, multiple air routes and overarching low-altitude airspace management through the Sandbox pilot projects. Operational data and experience accumulated will guide our work on different fronts including regulations, infrastructure and applications. We will make good use of market forces and actively communicate and co-operate with the Mainland to jointly promote the development of the LAE."
In today's meeting, the Working Group has also formulated the details of the Sandbox pilot projects, including eligibility and procedures for application, as well as factors for evaluating and prioritising applications. The Transport and Logistics Bureau will carry out the Sandbox pilot projects by batches. The first batch will be open for applications starting from tomorrow (November 13) with the deadline on December 31 this year. Relevant details have been uploaded to the website of the Transport and Logistics Bureau (www.tlb.gov.hk/eng/highlights/transport/low-altitude.html).
The Secretary for Transport and Logistics is the Deputy Head of the Working Group. Other members include the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism; the Secretary for Development; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; the Secretary for Security and other relevant Heads of Departments.
In addition, a Project Facilitation Task Force (the Task Force) will be established under the Working Group, comprising members from relevant government technical departments. The Task Force is responsible for taking forward technical matters for the development of the LAE. The Working Group also agreed to appoint the Hong Kong Productivity Council as technical partner, whereas the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited will be the venue partners to provide suitable places and supporting facilities for pilot projects.
The terms of reference of the Working Group, as well as the membership of the Working Group and the Task Force, are set out in the Annex.
Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy holds first meeting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy holds first meeting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy holds first meeting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Special traffic arrangements in the New Territories
Police will implement special traffic arrangements in the New Territories from November 14 to 17 to facilitate the holding of Oxfam Trailwalker 2024.
Road closure
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The following road will be closed, except for the vehicles with permit:
- Sai Kung Man Yee Road from a point about 3.3 kilometres south of its junction with Sai Kung Sai Wan Road to a point about 8.8 kilometres south of the same junction will be closed from 6am to 4pm on November 15;
- Sai Kung Man Yee Road from its junction with Tai Mong Tsai Road to a point about 4.2 kilometres south of the same junction will be intermittently closed from 7.45am to 3.30pm on November 15;
- Westbound Tai Mong Tsai Road between Pak Tam Chung Physically Handicapped and Able-bodied Site and Sai Kung Man Yee Road will be intermittently closed from 7.45am to 2.15pm on November 15;
- Shatin Pass Road between Lion’s Pavilion and Kwun Ping Road will be closed from 9am on November 15 to 4pm of the following day;
- Chuk Yeung Road between Shan Liu and Wong Chuk Yeung will be closed from 1pm on November 15 to 7am of the following day;
- Golden Hill Road will be closed from 1pm on November 15 to 9pm of the following day;
- Tai Mo Shan Road east of its junction with Route Twisk will be closed from 4pm on November 15 to 3pm on November 17; and
- Tsing Ying Road between the exit and entrance (Gate 1) of Harrow International School Hong Kong and the gate of Crossroads Foundation Hong Kong will be closed from 6pm on November 15 to 3pm on November 17.
Suspension of parking spaces
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All parking spaces (including 23 metered parking spaces and other parking spaces) in the carpark adjacent to Rotary Park on Tai Mo Shan Road will be suspended from noon on November 14 to 3pm on November 17.
All parking spaces in the public car park adjacent to Sai Sha Road Barbecue Area Site No.4 will be suspended from 10pm on November 14 to 8am on November 16.
Half of the parking spaces in Pak Tam Chung Coach Carpark will be suspended from 00.01am to 3pm on November 15.
All parking spaces in the Pak Tam Chung Public Carpark will be suspended from 00.01am to 3pm on November 15.
Actual implementation of the traffic arrangements will be made depending on traffic and crowd conditions in the area. Motorists are advised to exercise tolerance and patience and take heed of instructions of the Police on site.
If the cancellation of the event is announced by the organiser, the above-mentioned special traffic arrangements will not be implemented.
