On 18 March 2021, the Ombudsman of Hong Kong, Ms Winnie Chiu, announced the launch of two direct investigations to examine the Government’s control of illicit fuelling activities as well as the Civil Aviation Department’s regulation of paragliding activities.

Illicit Fuelling Activities

There are occasional media reports about the prevalence of illicit fuelling activities in Hong Kong. Such illegal operations have been found in various districts, and some of them are close to residential neighbourhoods. In the absence of any fire protection and firefighting equipment at those stations, illicit fuelling activities are potential threats to public safety.

The Fire Services Department’s (FSD) Anti-illicit Fuelling Activities Task Force was established in early 2015 to take enforcement action against these illicit activities. Nevertheless, there have been public views that the FSD’s control over the illicit activities is not effective, as the problem of illegal fuel filling stations has remained.

Ms Chiu said, “Operation of illegal fuel filling stations has been a long-standing problem. As these illegal stations usually do not have any fire protection and firefighting equipment, and some may be located close to residential neighbourhoods, if a fire were to break out, the operators and customers may face imminent danger and the safety of passers-by and residents would also be threatened. In view of this, we have decided to initiate a direct investigation to probe into the Government’s control of illicit fuelling activities and make recommendations for improvement to the Government accordingly.”

To learn more about the investigation, visit the website of the Office of the Ombudsman of China.

Civil Aviation Department’s Regulation of Paragliding Activities

In recent years, paragliding has been gaining popularity in Hong Kong. Incidents or accidents related to paragliding activities have happened from time to time. Last year, a paraglider collided with a vehicle when making an emergency landing on a public road. That accident has raised public concern about the safety of paragliding activities and whether the Government has in place adequate regulation for such activities.

At present, the CAD is empowered by two pieces of legislation to regulate paragliding activities and grant permits for offering air services. Only two such permits have been granted in the last four years. To date, no prosecution has been initiated for any offence under the relevant legislation. Meanwhile, the Internet abounds with promotions and accounts on the experiences of fee-charging paragliding courses or taster flying sessions available locally.

Ms Chiu said, “Paragliding activities entail a certain level of safety risk. Improper operation of paragliders may not only impact on the safety of airspace in Hong Kong, but may also pose a danger to the public on the ground. The CAD is the department responsible for promoting and managing aviation safety. It is incumbent upon the CAD to ensure proper regulation of paragliding activities and to follow up on suspected improper or illegal paragliding activities to help ensure public safety. In this connection, I have decided to initiate this direct investigation to probe whether the CAD has effectively regulated paragliding activities and taken adequate follow-up actions.”