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The Transport Complaints Unit (TCU) of the Transport Advisory Committee received 4,689 complaints and suggestions in the fourth quarter of 2011. Among these, 76 were pure suggestions. The total number of cases represents a decrease of 10.7 per cent compared with 5,251 cases in the previous quarter, but an increase of 3.2 per cent compared with 4,543 cases in the same quarter of 2010.
The complaints and suggestions were mostly related to public transport services (85 per cent), enforcement matters (10 per cent) and traffic conditions (3 per cent). All the complaints and suggestions received by the TCU were referred to the relevant government departments and public transport operators for follow-up action.
During the quarter, relevant government departments and public transport operators took on board 29 suggestions made by members of the public to enhance public transport services and improve traffic conditions. A summary of the cases where public suggestions have helped to bring about improvements is in the Appendix.
In 2011, the TCU received a total of 18,882 complaints and suggestions. Among these, 378 were pure suggestions. There was an increase of 7.1 per cent compared with 17,624 cases in 2010. The major areas of concern were related to public transport services (87 per cent), enforcement matters (8 per cent) and traffic conditions (3 per cent).
The number of complaints and suggestions on public transport services increased by 12.9 per cent from 14,606 in 2010 to 16,492 in 2011.
On franchised bus services and public light bus services, the number of complaints and suggestions received rose from 3,195 in 2010 to 3,894 in 2011 and from 2,963 in 2010 to 3,368 in 2011 respectively. The increases were mainly attributable to more cases about regularity of service. On taxi services, the number of cases increased from 7,997 in 2010 to 8,789 in 2011. The increase was mainly due to more complaints about taxi driver malpractice, especially those related to conduct and performance of drivers.
The number of complaints about illegal parking and other enforcement matters decreased from 1,891 in 2010 to 1,461 in 2011. Complaints and suggestions on traffic conditions decreased from 719 in 2010 to 600 in 2011. Complaints about road maintenance also dropped, from 222 in 2010 to 194 in 2011.
The relevant government departments and public transport operators have implemented various measures to address the issues raised by the complaints. The TCU will continue to closely monitor public concerns and the follow-up actions taken by the departments/operators.
Members of the public may make their suggestions or complaints to the TCU by dialling the hotline 2889 9999 (voice mail service outside office hours), by fax to 2577 1858, by e-mail to info@tcu.gov.hk or by filling in a complaint form downloaded from the TCU website (www.info.gov.hk/tcu).
Appendix
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Public Suggestions Taken on Board by Relevant Government Departments/Public Transport Operators
(October to December 2011)
I. Public Transport Services
* Remove railings at bus stops at Shek Tong Street and Lai Chi Kok Road to facilitate passengers' access.
* Provide barrier-free access at Laguna City Public Transport Interchange to facilitate disabled passengers' access.
II. Traffic Management
Hong Kong Island
* Increase the vehicular green time of traffic lights at the following locations to alleviate traffic congestion/improve traffic flow: Pok Fu Lam Road, Causeway Road, Victoria Road, King's Road, Caine Road and Bonham Road.
* Increase the pedestrian green time of a traffic light at Bonham Road to assist pedestrians crossing the roads.
* Synchronise traffic lights at King's Road to improve traffic flow.
* Add a traffic sign and road markings at Aldrich Bay Road to better guide motorists.
* Add road markings at Comfort Terrace to remind pedestrians to watch out for traffic.
* Add "Keep Clear" road markings at Cadogan Street and Gloucester Road to prevent vehicle obstruction.
* Prohibit left-turning movements of vehicles from King's Road to Healthy Street East to improve traffic flow.
* Add parking spaces for motorcycles at Yip Hing Street to facilitate parking of motorcycles.
Kowloon
* Increase the pedestrian green time of traffic lights at the junctions of Tung Tau Tsuen Road and Tai Shing Street, and Tung Tau Tsuen Road and Ching Tak Street to assist pedestrians crossing the roads.
* Shorten the waiting time for the pedestrian green phase of traffic lights at Choi Hung Road to assist pedestrians crossing the road.
* Modify the mode of operation of a traffic light at the junction of Tung Chau Street and Fat Tseung Street to assist pedestrians crossing the roads.
* Add "No U-turn" traffic signs at the junction of Tung Chau Street and Fat Tseung Street to remind motorists.
* Impose "No Stopping Restriction" at Yee On Street to prevent vehicle obstruction.
New Territories
* Increase the vehicular green time of traffic lights at Ma Sik Road to alleviate traffic congestion.
* Increase the pedestrian green time of a traffic light at Kwun Tsing Road to assist pedestrians crossing the road.
* Add "No U-turn" traffic signs at Tuen Hing Road to remind motorists.
* Add traffic signs and road markings at Choi Ming Street and a lay-by at Man Kuk Lane to prevent vehicle obstruction.
* Add a right-turning pocket at Tsing Lun Road to improve road safety.
* Remove railings at Kwok Shui Road to facilitate pedestrians' access.
* Convert non-metered parking spaces to metered parking spaces at Shek Kok Road car park to deter illegal parking.
Ends/Friday, February 24, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:18
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