TRANSPORT
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interchanges in Tsing Yi, Tung Chung and Chek Lap Kok and along roads leading to boundary crossings and the River Trade Terminal in Tuen Mun. Additional CCTV cameras are planned at public transport interchanges along the MTR Tseung Kwan O extension, the KCR West Rail and the KCR Ma On Shan to Tai Wai Rail Link as well as along Tung Chung Road on Lantau Island and in the Kwai Chung Container Port Area.
In August, the Transport Department completed a preliminary project feasibility study for a Traffic Management and Information Centre. The study recommended an implementation strategy for this centre and thus enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of traffic management, incident management and dissemination of information. Planning work is in progress, and the proposed centre is scheduled to be operational by 2006.
A programme for extending the traffic control and surveillance systems is being implemented to improve traffic management in the urban areas and the new towns. At year-end, there were 1 577 signalised junctions, of which 1 245 were under the control of Area Traffic Control (ATC) systems. Among these, 1 015 were on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon, with 102 CCTV cameras in use. In the New Territories, there were 137 ATC junctions and 24 CCTV cameras in Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing, and 93 ATC junctions and 19 CCTV cameras in Sha Tin.
Construction work for expansion of the ATC and CCTV systems to Tai Po and North District is planned to commence in early 2002 for completion at the end of 2003. This expansion will cover 122 junctions, with 30 CCTV cameras. Detailed design for ATC and CCTV systems in Tuen Mun and Yuen Long began in December for completion in 2005. This will cover 240 junctions, with 47 CCTV cameras.
Use of Information Technology in Transport
Reliable and comprehensive transport information enables commuters to make informed choices of routes and modes of transport. This has the benefit of providing for more efficient use of road space, smoother traffic flow, enhanced road safety and improved accessibility.
Preparation for the development of the Transport Information System (TIS) has been under way. Upon completion, the TIS will become a central data facility for storing transport information. Internally, this information infrastructure will enhance the operations of the Transport Department as well as other departments such as the Hong Kong Police Force and the Fire Services Department. Externally, it will facilitate the development of various services such as the public transport enquiry service, car navigation and fleet management. The system is scheduled for completion in late 2003. In addition, journey time indicators will be provided on Hong Kong Island, along approach roads to the three cross-harbour tunnels, to inform motorists of the estimated travel time to the Kowloon exits, so that they could make a more informed choice of route. The system is scheduled for operation towards the end of 2002.
As part of the Interactive Government Services Directory, transport information (including any major road closure and real-time CCTV pictures showing traffic conditions on major routes and airport transport routes) is made available on the Internet, at the Government's home page. The number of CCTV cameras will be further increased to expand the coverage.