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Following is a question by the Hon Cheung Hok-ming and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, at the Legislative Council meeting today (April 18) :
Question:
Will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the total number of roundabouts on the roads of Hong Kong and their locations;
(b) of the number of traffic accidents which occurred at roundabouts in the past three years and the number of resultant casualties;
(c) whether it has investigated the causes of traffic accidents at roundabouts over the past three years and introduced improvement measures; if it has, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(d) whether it has rolled out any publicity programmes to promote road safety at roundabouts; if it has, of the details of such programmes over the past three years and their promotional methods; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
Madam President,
(a) There are currently a total of 224 roundabouts on the roads in Hong Kong, with 34, 38 and 152 on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories respectively.
(b) The numbers of traffic accidents at roundabouts were 154 in 2004 and 171 each in 2005 and 2006. The respective numbers of casualties involved in these accidents were 179, 228 and 234.
(c) Traffic accidents at roundabouts are caused by different factors. The Police will conduct investigations. Transport Department (TD) will also follow up on individual cases and institute appropriate improvement measures. Separately, TD has formulated guidelines to ensure that designs of roundabouts comply with safety standards, and that adequate road markings and traffic signs are provided to give clear indications to motorists. TD will also keep the traffic conditions at roundabouts under regular review and listen to the views of the public. If necessary and according to the circumstances of individual roundabouts, TD will take appropriate follow-up actions, such as widening of roundabouts and installing additional traffic and directional signs, etc. to enhance road safety.
(d) TD has published the Road Users' Code, which sets out in detail points to note for motorists when using roundabouts. Copies of the Code are distributed free of charge to holders of newly issued learner's driving licences. The Code may also be downloaded from TD's website. The Administration will continue to disseminate information on the safe use of roundabouts to motorists through various publicity channels, such as the Road Safety Bulletin and regular meetings with the transport trades.
Ends/Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Issued at HKT 12:18
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