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TAC discusses enhancement of safety of long downhill roads
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    Members of the Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) were briefed today (July 2) on the findings of the review conducted by the Transport Department on long steep downhill roads.

    The TAC was updated on the two recent fatal traffic accidents at Sai Kung and on Garden Road, both of which involved a coach and a long steep downhill road.  Members noted the improvement measures planned and implemented at the Nam Bin Wai Roundabout at Sai Kung.  They also noted that Garden Road was already provided with  warnings and advisory signs to drivers. 

    The TAC Chairman, Ms Teresa Cheng said, ¡§We support the Government¡¦s plan to further enhance safety at Garden Road by installing additional traffic signs and  markings, crash cushions and a fixed speed enforcement camera housing.¡¨

    Members were also briefed on the findings of a review by the Transport Department on 29 long steep downhill roads in the territory.  The review showed the existing traffic management measures, warning traffic signs, road markings and roadside barriers at these road sections were in compliance with the prevailing design standards.  Because of the characteristics of the environment of these roads, many are already provided with warning signs and road markings that are over and above what are provided under normal circumstances. 

    Nevertheless, the Administration has recommended additional measures to further alert motorists and enhance the safety of the road environment.  These include traffic control measures, improvements to traffic signs and road markings, roadside barriers, road surfacing and provision of fixed speed enforcement camera housings and cameras. 

    ¡§We note that the behaviour of road users (including drivers and pedestrians) has been the contributory factor for more than 90% of the traffic accidents in Hong Kong. It is imperative that, apart from improvement to the road environment and strengthening of enforcement, the Administration should also step up efforts in publicity and education on proper driving behaviour and a stronger sense of road safety.  On this, we welcome the Administration¡¦s commitment to enhance efforts in education and publicity to deter speeding and encourage better driving behaviour,¡¨ Ms Cheng said.

    ¡§At the same time, we would like to urge all drivers to comply with traffic regulations, drive with care and be considerate, not only for their own safety, but also for the safety of other road users.¡¨

    ¡§The TAC Road Safety and Traffic Management Sub-committee will review the design standards of the 29 long downhill roads and study if there is any need for further measures to enhance safety,¡¨ she said.

Ends/Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:44

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