TRANSPORT
Road Safety
199
Traffic accidents involving injury increased by 10.7 per cent in 1987. There were 16-169 accidents, of which 4 644 were serious and 272 fatal, compared with 14 610 in the previous year (4 100 serious, 280 fatal). In-depth investigations using computerised records were carried out at 129 traffic accident blackspots to identify accident causes. Remedial accident prevention measures were recommended at 82 of these locations. Remedial measures have been shown to reduce accidents by 28 per cent on average.
Road safety campaigns continued to play an important role in the government's attempt to reduce traffic accidents. The major themes of the 1987 campaigns emphasised the important role of parents and teachers in educating the children on road safety, elderly pedestrian safety, and cycling safety. Apart from the use of posters, announcements of public interest, leaflets and TV programmes as publicity media, four issues of a 'Road Safety Quarterly' were produced and given wide distribution.
A new comprehensive Road Users' Code, much larger and more detailed than the previous Highway Code and aimed at promoting safety for all road users, was published in July. The code, available in both English and Chinese, was widely used in schools and by all those concerned with road safety. In addition, a ‘Provisional Code of Practice for the Load- ing of Goods Vehicles' was published in May and circulated to goods vehicle operators for comment. The final code of practice is expected to be published early next year.
By the end of 1987, the Road Safety Association of Hong Kong operated 212 School Road Safety Patrols with the objective of ensuring the safety of school children on their way to and from school. The Road Safety Council, an advisory body, continued to co-ordinate all road safety matters in the territory.
Mass Transit Railway
Efforts to improve personal mobility through expansion and improvement of public transport services continued.
In May, the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) extended its peak frequency service during the morning rush hours. The construction of an extension of the railway to link Kwun Tong in Kowloon to Quarry Bay on Hong Kong Island as part of the Eastern Harbour Crossing project progressed as planned. The feasibility of a rail link between the north-west New Territories and the urban area and an extension to Junk Bay was also examined.
The MTR system now comprises three lines, operating as an integrated whole with 37 stations on the overall length of 38.6 kilometres, and with interchange facilities at Prince Edward, Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei, Admiralty and Central stations. Trains run at two-minute intervals during the morning peak hours and 2.5-minute intervals during the evening peak hours on both the Tsuen Wan and Kwun Tong Lines. On the Island Line, trains run at 3.5-minute intervals during both morning and evening peaks. The arrival of trains at destinations within two minutes of the scheduled time was maintained at 99.9 per cent during the year.
The MTR carried a daily average of 1.8 million passengers at the end of the year, making it one of the most heavily utilised underground railway carriers per route kilometre in the world. A record number of 2.27 million passengers was carried on October 7, 1987.
An overall fare increase of seven per cent was introduced in May. Adult fares were within a range of $2 to $5.50. Purchasers of the higher value common stored-value tickets enjoyed purchase discounts for higher value tickets and cheaper fares for off-peak journey plus a last ride bonus. By the end of the year, the MTR network was served by 34 feeder bus routes. To encourage motorists to use the system, multi-storey carparks are provided adjacent to the MTR stations in Kwai Fong, Tsuen Wan, Sheung Wan and Central.