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selection of streets for inclusion in the private streetsresumption programme. They are : safety risks, trafficconsiderations, environmental involvement and multipleownership.On safety risks (being the first criterion),because of the absence of control, the carriageway andpavements of some private streets are obstructed at alltimes by abandoned vehicles, hawker stalls and goods andmachinery from the shop operators. These obstructionspose a threat to the safety of the residents. They makeit difficult, if not exactly impossible in some cases,for emergency vehicles to gain access to premises withinthe street in case of need. Therefore, priority would begiven to resuming and clearing these private streets toremove such obstruction.4.66 Since the commencement of the private streetresumption programme in 1986-87, 166 private streets havebeen identified as targets for resumption. Of these, 41have been deleted from the programme due to variousreasons, including possible exorbitant claims forcompensation, EVA problems (paras. 4.69 - 4.72 below) andimproved condition of the streets to be resumed, etc.After the deletion of 41 streets, there are 125 privatestreets remaining in the programme and among them, 53streets have had their repair works completed, 21 streetshave been held up by the problem of protruding balconiespending the amendment of relevant Ordinances and 51streets have had their resumption works at various stagesin progress. The number and names of the private streetsresumed since the inception of the PSRC are at AnnexXXXVIV.4.67 In January/February each year, DistrictOfficers will draw up a list of private streetspotentially suitable for resumption within theirdistricts. The Highways Department and other relevantdepartments including the HAD, Transport Department, BD,Lands D, HD, Drainage Services Department, USD and FSDwill be consulted regarding the street boundaries andland status, etc. The list will then be referred to thePSRC for consideration on the individual merits of eachcase. At the district level, the District Officers willinform the respective District Boards of the annualprogramme and set up District Working Groups to coordinatethe resumption, clearance and reconstruction ofthe streets chosen.- 51 -