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LCQ18: Arrangements for traffic light signals
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    Following is a question by the Hon Albert Cheng and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, at the Legislative Council meeting today (October 25) :

Question:

     Some members of the public have reflected to me that in order to ease the traffic flow and increase the volume of vehicular flow in urban areas, pedestrians have to wait a long time for the change of traffic light signals in some districts, while the duration of the steady green signal of pedestrian traffic lights is too short.  Moreover, there are safety islands in the middle of some roads, hence pedestrians have to wait for the change of traffic light signals twice before they can cross the entire road.  In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)  of the number of complaints received in the past three years about the short duration of the steady green signal of pedestrian traffic lights;

(b)  whether it will consider shortening the time that pedestrians have to wait for the change of traffic light signals and extending the duration of the steady green signal of pedestrian traffic lights during off-peak hours; and

(c)  whether it will review the arrangements for pedestrian traffic light signals in districts with heavy pedestrian traffic, with a view to striking a more rational balance between easing the vehicular flow and facilitating pedestrian movement?

Reply :

Madam President,

     In 2003, 2004 and 2005, we received 315, 436 and 423 complaints concerning pedestrian traffic lights respectively.  We do not have the breakdown of complaints concerning the short duration of the green signal of pedestrian traffic lights.

     Currently, over 90% of the traffic lights in urban areas are computerized.  Different signal durations and cycle times are set according to the pedestrian and vehicular flows at road junctions during different time periods.  During off-peak hours, the traffic light signal times would be shorter so as to shorten the pedestrians' waiting time and to extend the duration of the green signal of pedestrian traffic lights.

     We will continue to monitor closely the pedestrian and vehicular flows at major road junctions, as well as the views of road users.  We will also review the control modes of traffic lights from time the time with a view to striking a balance between easing vehicular flow and facilitating pedestrian movement.

Ends/Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Issued at HKT 13:06

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