TRANSPORT
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carparks in commercial/residential buildings and open-air lots provide more than 156 000 parking spaces.
Park and Ride Scheme
To encourage the switch from private to public transport, the Transport Department in collaboration with the KCRC launched a one-year trial Park and Ride Scheme at Choi Yuen Road, Sheung Shui, in December 1997. An interim review carried out in July 1998 indicated that the scheme was well received with an average utilisation rate of over 70 per cent during weekdays. The administration will include park-and-ride facilities at suitable railway stations in the design of rail projects.
Road Safety
In 1998, there were 14 014 traffic accidents involving injuries, of which 204 were fatal and 3 103 were serious. There was an overall decrease of 5.2 per cent compared with 1997, when there were 14 776 traffic accidents of which 229 were fatal and 3 154 serious. In-depth investigations were carried out at 140 traffic accident blacksites to identify common accident causes with remedial measures recommended at 105 of these locations.
Accident records are regularly updated, using the microcomputer-based traffic accident data system installed in 1991. The updated accident database provides a basis for traffic accident analysis and road safety strategy formulation.
To deter motorists from disobeying traffic signals, 39 red-light camera systems were installed at signalised road junctions. More red light camera systems will be installed at 12 road junctions in 1999. An initial speed-enforcement camera system on a 15-kilometre section of the Tolo Highway and Fanling Highway came into operation in late 1998 to deter dangerous speeding activities.
Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) Regulations for approved seat belts were updated and amended to include new standards for seat belts and child restraint devices so as to give the public more choices in such products. The rear seat belt law currently applies only to private cars. The government is considering extending it to other vehicle classes.
Road safety campaigns continue to play an important role in reducing traffic accidents. 'Drivers' attitude' was chosen as the main theme in 1998. Publicity materials focusing on dangerous 'speeding', 'driving too close to vehicle in front' and 'careless lane changing' were produced. Relevant messages were delivered through television and radio announcements, printed materials and the Internet. Last year's themes on pedestrian safety, wearing rear seat belts and drink driving also remained as the side themes in 1998.
Cross-Boundary Traffic
Rail Service to Lo Wu
Cross-boundary traffic has increased significantly over the years, with the growth in economic and social activities between Hong Kong and the Mainland. Lo Wu is currently the only rail crossing to the Mainland. It is operating at near to full capacity, handling some 165 000 passengers every weekday in 1998. The volume of passengers at Lo Wu may well exceed 200 000 during festive seasons and weekends.