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

The speed limit of North Lantau Highway between the toll plaza of the Lantau Link and Tung Chung will be revised from 100 to 110 kilometres per hour (km/h).

The speed limits of the following four other sections will be adjusted from 50 to 70 km/h:

* Lung Cheung Road eastbound between Fung Mo Street and Hammer Hill Road;

* New Clear Water Bay Road between Clear Water Bay Road at Choi Wan Estate and Shun Lee Tsuen Road;

* Kwai Chung Road between Lai Chi Kok Bridge and West Kowloon Corridor; and

* Aberdeen Praya Road between Wong Chuk Hang Road and the slip road leading to Aberdeen Main Road.

The new arrangements will take effect starting 10 am this Sunday (May 2).

Announcing details of the revision, a spokesman for the department said: "The existing 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 speed limits review so far has examined a total of 17 sections of roads and adjustments have been recommended after careful consideration.

Actual revision is scheduled to be implemented in three phases.

First batch of which including the adjustments of the speed limits of West Kowloon Highway, sections of West Kowloon Corridor and Fanling Highway took effect on March 28.

The second batch included revision on the speed limits of Yuen Long Highway, sections of Castle Peak Road, Tuen Mun Road and Princess Margaret Road has been implemented on April 18.

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 said.

The spokesman stressed that 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 has introduced a new traffic sign to provide advanced warning to motorists of a downward change of 20 km/h or more in speed limit ahead.

The traffic signs will be erected in pairs at about 100 metres ahead of the change and under special circumstances, an additional pair at about 200 metres in advance.

To further assist motorists, the Transport Department will put on trial for six months a new road marking scheme.

"Sections of yellow bars will be painted along North Lantau Highways (Kowloon bound) where a significant reduction in speed limit from 110 to 50 km/h is to be implemented.

"This is to further advanced warning to motorists so that they can have sufficient time to prepare and adjust their speed for the change," the spokesman said.

The trial will be carried out from May 2.

End/Thursday, April 29, 1999

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