TRAFFIC
With about 300 vehicles for every mile of road, Hong Kong has one of the highest traffic densities in the world and the consequential problems are, understandably, many and complex.
Traffic Branch is an integral part of the Police Head- quarters structure. Its aim, in conjunction with the Transport Department and the Highways Division of the Public Works Department, is to achieve the highest possible degree of free and safe flow of vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
Following a two-year decrease in the number of regis- tered vehicles during 1974 and 1975, the year 1976 showed an increase, undoubtedly due to an improved economy. This potential aggravation of the traffic problem was counter-balanced to some extent by improvements to the road system which had been delayed during the period of financial constraints.
The construction of the underground railway system, linking the most densely-populated areas of Kowloon with Central district, required widespread diversions and adjust- ments to public transport services in areas affected by the construction and called for ingenious central and local planning to reduce to a minimum the inconvenience to the community.
In spite of these odds, traffic generally and in particular public transport continued to move quite freely, apart from congestion at peak hour periods.
Unfortunately, the same optimism cannot be applied to the accident rate. Accidents rose to 12,345, an increase of 7.8 per cent over 1975 and, more significantly, the number of casualties went up to 15,749, an increase of 10 per cent. It is of particular concern, in view of the safety education programmes implemented, that pedestrian carelessness accounted for 47.7 per cent of all accidents.
Following the success of the trial traffic warden scheme, it has now become a permanent feature of traffic enforcement. The main function of wardens is to enforce parking regula- tions and direct traffic, thus relieving police officers who were previously employed on such duties for other tasks. Plans are being formulated to increase the strength and scope of the corps.
In the long term the mass transit railway system, and the comprehensive transport study - which considers public transport needs over the next 15 years - reflect an awareness of the needs of the community to travel quickly and con- veniently. An ambitious road development plan, including flyover complexes and elevated roads, will further ensure that the demands of road traffic are met. Proposals for the improvement of public transport services are of special significance since only through an effective system will the private motorist, who occupies a disproportionate amount of overall road space, be induced to use public transport. These are mainly matters of transport policy, planning and engineering, but, by virtue of their specialised knowledge and on-the-ground contact and operations, members of the Traffic Branch play an important role in this field, mainly through the Traffic Management Section.
Accidents
The upturn in the number of registered motor vehicles was, not surprisingly, accompanied by an increase in traffic. accidents:
Fatal accidents
1975
1976
Variation
358
347
3.1%
Serious injury
4,641
4,802
Minor injury
6,449
7,196
+ 3.5% -11.6%
Total
11,448
12,345
+ 7.8%
Less alarming, however, is the ratio of accidents to licensed drivers and registered vehicles as illustrated in the following table:
1966
1971
Registered vehicles Licensed drivers
92,903
164,378
1976 191,746
197,000
359,519
520,469
Traffic accidents
9,061
12,280
12,345
causing death or
injury
Ratio to registered vehicles
1:10
1:13
1:16
1:22
1:29
1:42
Ratio to licensed drivers
In-depth analyses of accidents revealed that junctions and pedestrian crossings, particularly those which are not con- trolled, featured prominently among locations of accidents. The continued installation of traffic lights and the gradual elimination of 'stud' crossings, which tend to instil into pedestrians a false sense of security, will, hopefully, lead to a reduction in the number of accidents at such locations. Apart from pedestrian carelessness, the principal cause of accidents resulting in injuries was carelessness, inattention or mis-judgement by drivers, while another major cause was speeding.
A feature of technological progress was the introduction of a computer-based traffic accident statistical system. The system aids the analysis of accidents and, through the generation of maps, facilitates the plotting of accident blackspots and the formulation of remedial measures.
Road safety
Emphasis continued to be placed on education and training in road safety, young children being of prime concern. A month-long campaign was held and, additionally, members of police road safety sections visited schools, community organisations, exhibitions and fetes, to illustrate and bring home to members of the community the need to exercise care and commonsense when using the roads, whether as a motorist or a pedestrian.
The permanent road safety exhibition at the headquarters of Traffic Branch, although restricted in space, proved popular and was visited by more than 8,000 youngsters. Plans for a mobile safety exhibition centre, to be operated by the Road Safety Association and using a converted double-decker bus, are well advanced. Organisations such as the association provide valuable service and assistance in this field.
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