PUBLIC ORDER
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loophole and this, coupled with increased pressure at known entry points, has contained the problem. Nevertheless, this aspect is still a matter of concern. The trend towards speedboat syndicates ferrying illegal immigrants to Hong Kong has also been contained by effective counter measures, although it is known that this method is still used sporadically. The flow of refugees from Vietnam continued to pose problems, despite the introduction of the closed camp policy in July for all new arrivals. During the year some 7 994 arrived in the territory, compared with the 1981 total of 11 886.
Public Order
Cultural and political differences between northern and southern Vietnamese refugees housed at the Kai Tak North Camp came to a head in May and resulted in a large-scale disturbance involving some 1 500 inmates. A major police operation was subsequently launched inside the camp and resulted in many refugees responsible for the troubles being arrested. Order was quickly restored.
A disturbance which had occurred in Central District-in the early hours of Christmas Day in 1981 had required the deployment of considerable police manpower. Although the incident resulted in several prosecutions for disorderly conduct, assault, and criminal damage, it was spontaneous and unorganised. Following this, when some 50 000 spectators gathered to watch a fireworks display in the harbour on Lunar New Year's Day, policemen were extensively and effectively deployed and no trouble occurred.
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There were no other major incidents affecting public order during the year although a number of minor confrontations, mostly related to the clearance of squatter areas, occurred but were resolved without serious incidents.
Traffic
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During 1982, there were 18 384 traffic accidents, resulting in 455 persons killed and 24 291 injured. Traffic accident black spots were examined by Traffic Police in conjunction with the Road Safety Division of the Transport Department and action was taken through engineering, education and enforcement to reduce the accident rate at these locations. The road safety message continued to be spread by road safety officers of the police through publicity campaigns, and in schools through lectures, demonstrations and the organisation of school crossing patrols.
The School Road Safety Patrol movement, formed in 1963 by the Hong Kong Road Safety Association, played a valuable part in ensuring the safety of children getting to and from school. Patrol members continued to receive training from police officers and the number of schools participating in the scheme rose to 172 with a membership of 7 261.
A revised Road Traffic Ordinance was enacted during the year but will not come into effect for a further 18 months to allow for consequential legislative amendments and adminis- trative changes. The Fixed Penalty System for moving offences was expanded to include owner liability offences. A Driving Offence Points System has also been proposed, designed to deter the persistent offender by introducing mandatory disqualifications for drivers. accumulating a certain number of points for scheduled offences within a specified period. The Traffic Management Section of Traffic Headquarters and the Traffic Police opera- tional units were closely involved in the planning and implementation of a number of projects designed to improve traffic flow.
Assistance to the Public
The number of requests by the public for assistance from the police, a reliable barometer of