expeditious movement of pedestrian and vehicular traffic on the Colony's roads and streets.
9.38. There were again more traffic accidents than in previous years although the annual rate of increase showed signs of falling off. This is apparent from the graph on page 49 which also sets out basic information on road mileages, motor spirit and light oil consumption.
Studies of traffic accidents indicate a downward trend in the relationship of accidents to vehicle registration and population. These relationships are shown in the graphs on pages 50 and 51.
9.39. The Chief Engineer served as the Director's representative at the monthly meetings of the Traffic Advisory Committee, and at the more frequent meetings of the Working Sub-Committee of the Advisory Committee on Public Transport.
TRAFFIC AIDS
9.40. In addition to the general maintenance and routine installation of prescribed traffic signs, some 1,200 new signs were installed with the introduction of extensive one-way street arrangements in the urban areas of Kowloon.
9.41. Associated with the construction of pedestrian crossings, central dividing strips and other road improvements, a total of 253 illuminated aids (68 on the Island, 165 in Kowloon and 20 for the New Territories) were brought into operation. The cost of lighting traffic signals and refuges was:
Hong Kong $14,800
Kowloon $13,000
New Territories $500
Total $28,300
9.42. The Section's direct labour force was fully committed with the increasing use of carriageway markings. To ensure that the paint used for this purpose was of a high standard, a comprehensive test of samples of both white and yellow road marking paints was carried out over a period of several months prior to placing a 10,500 gallons order.
9.43. General and particular advice was given during the year on the subject of parking meter installations and, in consultation with the Police Traffic Branch, a detailed programme for the installation of 1,700 additional parking meters was prepared.
9.44. In liaison with the Police Traffic Branch, an outline general programme for the future installation of traffic light signals was considered, and several installations of both the vehicle actuated and pedestrian operated push-button type were planned at selected locations.
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