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The speed limits of five major road sections will be adjusted upwards in phases next month to enhance the movement of traffic, a spokesman for the Transport Department said today (Wednesday).

On October 1, the speed limits of Lion Rock Tunnel Road (between toll plaza and Sha Tin Road) and Sha Tin Road (between Lion Rock Tunnel Road and Pok Hong Estate) will be revised from 70 kilometres per hour (km/h) to 80km/h.

At the same time, the speed limit of Sai Sha Road (between Hang Hong Street and Ma On Shan Road) will be modified from 50km/h to 70km/h.

For Tai Po Road - Shatin (between Shing Mun Tunnel Road and Fo Tan Road) and Shing Mun Tunnel Road (between tunnel portal and Tai Po Road - Shatin), their speed limits will be adjusted upward from 70km/h to 80km/h on October 3 and 17 respectively.

Announcing details of the revision, a spokesman for the department said: "We have conducted a comprehensive review on the existing speed limits of major roads and expressways in Hong Kong.

"The review has examined a total of 41 sections of roads and adjustments have been recommended after careful consideration," he added.

Actual revision on 12 road sections has been implemented in three phases since March this year.

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.

Motorists are advised always to stay alert to the prevailing road traffic conditions and prepare to lower the speed and keep a safe distance from the vehicles ahead.

The spokesman also reminded motorists that the maximum speed limit for medium and heavy goods vehicles and buses remained at 70km/h or at 50km/h on roads with a limit of 50km/h.

End/Wednesday, September 29, 1999

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