Detailed consideration was given to the possibility of arranging for independent experts to study the introduction of a system of progressively linked traffic light signals in Nathan Road and adjoining traffic routes.
9.45. More pedestrian crossings, guard rails and other safety devices were installed in the urban area, and more than 8,000 self-wiping reflecting road studs were purchased for installation at unlighted bends on rural roads. Several new bus bays and passing places were constructed along some of the busier traffic routes.
STREET LIGHTING
9.46. The improvement and extension of public street lighting continued with the installation of 955 new lamps (254 on the Island, 503 in Kowloon and 198 for the New Territories). This included the replacement of a number of gas and low-powered electric lamps. A feature of the street lighting work in the New Territories was the use of high efficiency 200 watt linear sodium lamps along a section of Castle Peak Road. The cost of lighting of streets and public places including electricity charges and new installations was as follows:
| Location | Cost | | :-------------- | :------------ | | Hong Kong | $1,319,000 | | Kowloon | $1,055,000 | | New Territories | $160,000 | | Total | $2,534,000 |
9.47. Government approval was given to the adoption of increased hours of operation for street lighting. The longer burning hours permitted the 'switching on' of street lights at 8 minutes after sunset with 'switching off' at 15 minutes before sunrise.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
9.48. Government's appointment of an Advisory Committee on Public Transport in October 1961, resulted in much of the work on public transport matters being channelled through the Committee or its Working Sub-Committee.
9.49. The ad hoc committee set up previously by the District Commissioner, New Territories, to consider the problems associated with public transport services in the New Territories, continued to function and held meetings approximately once every quarter. These meetings were attended by the Chief Engineer as Departmental representative.
INVESTIGATIONS
9.50. Weekly classified vehicle counts were continued at selected key locations within the urban areas and the information obtained used in
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