The watchdog’s call to action comes after it inspected four estates that do not have vehicle gates installed at all entrances because of geographical constraints.
These are Yau Oi Estate, Cheung Hong Estate, Lai Yiu Estate and Queen’s Hill Estate.
The watchdog said inspectors had found cases of long-term illegal parking in three of the estates apart from Yau Oi Estate, adding that some vehicles are even blocking emergency vehicle access in Lai Yiu Estate.
It said the situation of illegal parking in Yau Oi Estate has improved after the department implemented enhancement measures, including the installation of an additional CCTV system, as well as the deployment of more patrols.
“As the case of Yau Oi Estate has shown, strengthening enforcement is indeed conducive to alleviating illegal parking. Overall, we urge the Housing Department to improve its handling of parking violations, especially to step up combating illegal parking along emergency vehicular access to minimise potential safety hazards,” Ombudsman Jack Chan said.
The watchdog asked the department to step up enforcement against illegal parking blackspots, and to take immediate enforcement action against cars blocking emergency vehicle access.
It also urged the department to set up key performance indicators for security service contractors, as well as to work more closely with the police.
In response, the Housing Department said it accepts the Ombudsman’s suggestions, and promised to improve existing measures.
It added that it will work with other government departments to conduct joint operations to resolve the issue.
