TRAFFIC OFFENCES
161. A slight decrease in the number of cases prosecuted was shown, the total figure being 51,107 as compared to 52,302 for the previous year. A comparative table covering the last three years is shown at Appendix IX.
TESTING OF DRIVERS
162. A total of 30,161 Test Forms were issued during the year and 21,946 tests were given. Failures numbered 8,924. At the end of the year there were 98,991 licensed drivers, an increase of 19,882. Comparative tables for previous years are shown at Appendix VIII, Table B.
EXAMINATION OF VEHICLES
163. 24,271 motor vehicles and 16,946 non-motor vehicles were inspected. Appendix X is a comparative table showing examinations conducted over the last three years. The decrease in the number of examinations carried out during the year results principally from the effect of Regulation 162 of the Vehicle and Road Traffic (Construction and Use) Regulations 1958, which has restricted the police powers of inspection of vehicles on premises.
TRAFFIC PROBLEMS
164. The most important problems of the Traffic Branch relate to the flow of traffic and provision of parking facilities. On the Island the numerous multi-storey office blocks constructed during the year have aggravated an already acute parking problem and at the same time. increased the peak period traffic flow. A strict prohibition of parking on main thoroughfares has been necessary to avoid chaos at rush hours. In Kowloon the problem is not quite so acute and an increase in the number of one way streets has improved parking facilities and produced a smoother flow of traffic. In the New Territories the task is to control the flow of commercial and public vehicles on weekdays and the private cars at weekends and public holidays. Roads are becoming more and more congested and the task grows ever more difficult.
ROAD SAFETY MEASURES
165. Apart from the Annual Traffic Exhibition which finished in April 1958, efforts were continued throughout the year to educate road- users, both pedestrian and motorist, by means of television, radio, press, posters, pamphlets and lectures.
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