>Press Releases Home > Publications and press releases > Press Releases Height restrictions on bridges in force The Marine Department today (Monday) reminds vessel owners and operators to observe the height limits of the Tung Chung, Kap Shui Mun and Tsing Ma Bridges. Owners, operators, masters, coxswains and persons-in-charge of vessels, especially tug masters engaging in towing operations and persons-in-charge of dumb steel lighters, must ensure that the highest point of their vessels does not exceed the specified limit when entering the height restricted areas or approaching the bridges, a Marine Department spokesman said. To achieve the maximum protection of the Tung Chung, Kap Shui Mun and Tsing Ma Bridges, the Shipping and Port Control Regulations have been amended to establish height restricted areas and height limits which come into force today. The regulations provide for the conditions under which vessels are permitted to enter height restricted areas on the approaches to the bridges and the penalties for contravention. The height limit of the Tung Chung, Kap Shui Mun and Tsing Ma Bridges is eight metres, 41 metres and 53 metres respectively. The boundaries of the restricted area are specified in the Fifth Schedule to the Shipping and Port Control Regulations. The penalty for entering or passing underneath the height restricted areas or bridges is a fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for six months. For a vessel involved in a collision with any of the bridges, the person-in-charge of the vessel will be liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment of six months. A programme of education and enforcement of the height restrictions of the bridges in particular the Tsing Ma and Kap Shui Mun Bridges has been developed by the Marine Department. An educational seminar for owners and operators of derrick barges with a boom length exceeding 42 metres was conducted on May 23 to advise them to lower their booms when passing underneath the Kap Shui Mun Bridge. The Marine Department's Harbour Patrol Section launches mounted an educational campaign from May 26 to 30. Another campaign is being conducted from today to July 20. Barges with topped up derricks will be directed to suitable locations or anchorages for inspection with a view to ascertaining the height of their highest points above the waterlines. Any vessel with its highest point exceeding the height limit while navigating within the height restricted area is liable to prosecution. The Marine Department issued Marine Department Notices No. 83 and No. 109 of 1997 on May 17 and July 4 respectively to announce the height restrictions on the Tsing Ma, Kap Shui Mun and Tung Chung Bridges. Monday, July 14, 1997
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