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The Transport Department today (Thursday) announces that the speed limits of three major roads in the territory will be adjusted upwards to enhance movement of traffic.

The speed limit of West Kowloon Highway will be revised from 80 to 100 kilometres per hour (km/h) while the southbound carriageway of the West Kowloon Corridor (Tong Mi Road section) will be from 50 to 70 km/h.

The speed limit of the eastbound carriageway of Fanling Highway between San Tin Interchange and Sheung Shui Interchange will be adjusted from 80 to 100 km/h.

The new arrangement will be effective starting 10 am this Sunday (March 28).

Announcing details of the revision, a spokesman for the department said: "The speed limits imposed may not be as relevant as before following a continued improvement in road design and standard as well as the performance of motor vehicles in recent years.

"A comprehensive review has been conducted on the speed limits of major roads and expressways over the territory.

"This is to locate possible scope for relaxation of the speed limits imposed while ensuring a balance between flow of traffic and safety on roads."

The first two phases of the speed limits review have examined a total of 17 sections of roads.

The spokesman noted that adjustment of the speed limits of specific sections had been recommended after careful consideration.

The major considerations included:

* road characteristics and design;

* traffic accident statistics; and

* survey results on the actual average speed of vehicles travelling on a specific section.

The revision is scheduled to be implemented in phases for completion in two months.

The spokesman reminded motorists that the speed limit imposed on a road was the maximum speed legally allowed and which must not be exceeded at any time.

"However, it does not mean that motorists are safe to drive at that maximum speed at all times.

"Instead, they should always stay alert to prevailing road condition in deciding how fast they can drive safely and remember to keep a safe distance with the vehicles ahead," he added.

The spokesman said for medium goods vehicles, heavy goods vehicles and buses, the maximum speed limit should remain at 70 km/h, or at 50 km/h on roads with a limit of 50 km/h.

To enhance safety on roads, the Transport Department will introduce a new traffic sign to provide advance warning to motorists of a downward change of 20 km/h or more in speed limit ahead.

The traffic signs will be erected 100 metres or more in advance of a downward change in speed limit on sections where there are no obvious changes in the character of the road.

The use of the new traffic sign will commence on March 28, initially on the West Kowloon Highway and the West Kowloon Corridor.

More such warning signs will be erected at other suitable locations such as the North Lantau Highway, Tolo Highway and Lung Cheung Road later this year.

End/Thursday, March 25, 1999

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