TAC briefed on progress of measures to enhance highway
safety
******************************************************* Members of the Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) were updated on the progress of implementing improvement measures recommended in the Report on Enhancement of Highway Safety at its meeting today (September 15).
The report was submitted by the Tuen Mun Road Traffic Incident Independent Expert Panel appointed by the Chief Executive in July 2003 to examine and recommend safety measures to prevent similar catastrophes.
Ms Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah, Chairman of the TAC said, "The Government has made good progress in implementing various recommendations to enhance highway safety, including measures to improve driving behaviour, legislation and enforcement, traffic engineering and management, vehicle control, vehicle parapet design, etc."
Besides strengthening enforcement against inappropriate driving behaviour, the Road Safety Council has formulated a longer-term publicity programme with "Smart Driving" as the main theme. Training for drivers and driving instructors have also been enhanced. Legislation was amended to impose fixed penalties for three common offences, namely "using hand-held telecommunication device while driving", "failing to drive in the nearside lane of an expressway" and "driving motorcycle or motor tricycle without the necessary lights illuminated".
On vehicle control, apart from making the installation of speed display devices on public light buses mandatory, all franchised bus operators have agreed to install speed limiters and tachographs on newly registered buses.
The traffic engineering enhancement measures in the vicinity of the incident spot and the 39 priority locations at 16 road sections identified jointly by the Highways Department and the Independent Expert Panel have been completed. The parapet strengthening works are on schedule.
Members were also briefed on the latest demand and supply situation for parking provisions in Hong Kong and the progress of implementing the recommendations of the Second Parking Demand Study to address parking-related problems.
"We support the improvement measures adopted by the Government to address the parking needs of different categories of vehicles," Ms Cheng said.
safety
******************************************************* Members of the Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) were updated on the progress of implementing improvement measures recommended in the Report on Enhancement of Highway Safety at its meeting today (September 15).
The report was submitted by the Tuen Mun Road Traffic Incident Independent Expert Panel appointed by the Chief Executive in July 2003 to examine and recommend safety measures to prevent similar catastrophes.
Ms Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah, Chairman of the TAC said, "The Government has made good progress in implementing various recommendations to enhance highway safety, including measures to improve driving behaviour, legislation and enforcement, traffic engineering and management, vehicle control, vehicle parapet design, etc."
Besides strengthening enforcement against inappropriate driving behaviour, the Road Safety Council has formulated a longer-term publicity programme with "Smart Driving" as the main theme. Training for drivers and driving instructors have also been enhanced. Legislation was amended to impose fixed penalties for three common offences, namely "using hand-held telecommunication device while driving", "failing to drive in the nearside lane of an expressway" and "driving motorcycle or motor tricycle without the necessary lights illuminated".
On vehicle control, apart from making the installation of speed display devices on public light buses mandatory, all franchised bus operators have agreed to install speed limiters and tachographs on newly registered buses.
The traffic engineering enhancement measures in the vicinity of the incident spot and the 39 priority locations at 16 road sections identified jointly by the Highways Department and the Independent Expert Panel have been completed. The parapet strengthening works are on schedule.
Members were also briefed on the latest demand and supply situation for parking provisions in Hong Kong and the progress of implementing the recommendations of the Second Parking Demand Study to address parking-related problems.
"We support the improvement measures adopted by the Government to address the parking needs of different categories of vehicles," Ms Cheng said.
Ends/Thursday, September 15, 2005
Issued at HKT 18:28
NNNN