LCQ22: Roundabouts on roads
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Question:
Currently, both conventional and spiral roundabouts can be found on Hong Kong's roads. There are views that these two types of roundabouts differ significantly in terms of road markings, right-of-way priority and other arrangements, which could lead to disputes or even traffic accidents. Furthermore, the Transport Department (TD) launched a pilot scheme on spiral roundabouts in 2004. More than 20 years have now passed, yet no comprehensive evaluation report on the scheme's effectiveness has been made public. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the current number of roundabouts across the territory, with a breakdown by type of roundabout (e.g. conventional, spiral and other types such as hybrid lane-guidance designs);
(2) of the number of traffic accidents that have occurred at roundabouts in each of the past 10 years, with a breakdown by type of roundabout;
(3) as it has been reported that the Government has introduced spiral roundabouts progressively in various districts in recent years, on what criteria or justifications the TD has based its decision to convert conventional roundabouts into spiral roundabouts at specific road sections;
(4) of the following information in respect of each roundabout across the territory that has been converted from conventional to spiral: (i) the year of conversion, (ii) its location, (iii) the number of traffic lanes, and (iv) the number of accidents that occurred in the past year, together with a comparison of that figure with the number of accidents in the year prior to its conversion;
(5) of the results of the Government's effectiveness evaluation concerning the specific operation of spiral roundabouts;
(6) whether the TD has plans to comprehensively standardise the usage and right-of-way priority arrangements for roundabouts, with a view to reducing road disputes and the risk of traffic accidents; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(7) whether it has plans to reduce the risk of traffic accidents at roundabouts through other feasible measures, such as reducing the number of lanes at large roundabouts or systematically installing real-time adaptive traffic signal systems at those with heavy traffic flows?
Reply:
President,
Roundabout is a common design of road intersection in Hong Kong. Generally speaking, roundabouts enable smooth passage of vehicles from various directions under varying traffic volumes. My response to the question raised by the Hon Chan Hoi-yan is as follows:
(1), (2) and (4) There are currently about 260 conventional roundabouts in Hong Kong (comprising approximately 175 small roundabouts and around 85 two- or three-lane roundabouts) as well as 27 spiral roundabouts on public roads. The number of traffic accidents that have occurred at two- or three-lane conventional roundabouts and spiral roundabouts over the past decade is provided in Appendix 1. Spiral roundabouts are generally two-lane roundabouts. Appendix 2 sets out details of all spiral roundabouts in Hong Kong, including the year of conversion, location, number of accidents in the year prior to conversion, and the number of accidents in 2025. As traffic conditions and the road environment vary by location and over time, it is not appropriate to directly compare accident figures across different roundabouts.
(3) and (5) Between 2004 and 2017, the Transport Department (TD) implemented a phased trial scheme involving 10 conventional roundabouts converted into spiral roundabouts. The scheme concluded in 2017, with findings showing that both spiral and conventional roundabouts have distinct advantages in terms of operation and traffic safety, serving different functional purposes. When designing individual roundabouts, the TD selects the most appropriate configuration based on factors such as the size of the roundabout, the number of traffic lanes and entry/exit points, and overall traffic volume. In specific traffic contexts, such as uneven distribution between inner and outer circulatory lanes or a high proportion of right-turning movements requiring adjustments, the road marking system of spiral roundabouts can guide drivers in the inner lane to exit more easily. This, in turn, improves the utilisation of the inner circulatory lane and enhances overall traffic efficiency.
(6) and (7) The TD continuously monitors and analyses traffic accident data at roundabouts, and formulates and implements road improvement measures as needed, such as optimising road markings, signage and driver visibility. At roundabouts with high vehicle volumes, the TD also considers introducing dedicated lane for left-turn movements or implementing other enhancements, such as installing traffic signals, to improve traffic flow and reduce collision risks.
The installation of the Real-time Adaptive Traffic Signal System (RTATSS) at signalised roundabouts involves greater technical complexity than at conventional signalised junctions. This is because the system must simultaneously detect and process traffic circulating within the roundabout as well as traffic waiting to enter from each approach lane. The TD is currently implementing RTATSS at conventional signalised junctions (i.e. those not designed as roundabouts), and the data collected will support future reviews on the feasibility of extending the system to signalised roundabouts.
Moreover, the TD will continue to collaborate with the Road Safety Council and the Hong Kong Police Force in carrying out various publicity and educational campaigns to promote road safety. These initiatives include disseminating information on the safe use of roundabouts through various channels, such as social media platforms.
Ends/Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Issued at HKT 11:22
Issued at HKT 11:22
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