5.86. The transfer of operations from the old quarry at Hok Yuen to the new Diamond Hill Quarry was almost complete.
5.87. The private quarries let on long term contracts and administered by the Quarry Section continued to suffer from the low demand for quarry products and the situation has been aggravated by the restrictions which, as a result of the disturbances, have had to be imposed on the use of explosives.
General
TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DIVISION
Chief Engineer:
W. C. BELL, D.L.C., A.M.I.C.E.
S. A. BARDEN, B.Sc. (Eng.), A.M.I.C.E. (Acting)
5.88. Traffic flow on the roads of the Colony continued to grow. The number of vehicles registered rose by 7005, representing an increase of 7.3% compared to a 5.3% increase for 1966–67.
5.89. The growth in population, road mileage, injury accidents and vehicle registrations over the past decade is illustrated by the graph on page 55. Generally, the trends follow those of the preceding year although accidents show an upward movement towards the overall average for the past decade.
Traffic Aids
5.90. The installation and maintenance of traffic aids continued throughout the year. Financial commitment on new traffic signs was double that of the preceding year, emphasizing the increase in traffic management schemes designed to improve traffic conditions at relatively low cost. Over 10,000 gallons of paint were used to maintain the markings which guided both motorists and pedestrians on roads throughout the Colony.
5.91. To improve safety and night driving conditions, the maintenance and installation of 'cats-eyes' on new roads was continued and a new type of marker was introduced on an experimental basis along a 3-mile section of Castle Peak Road. 223 illuminated traffic aids were installed and 76 removed for various reasons, resulting in a net increase of 147.
5.92. No progress was made on the programme for the installation of 2,000 additional parking meters because of the exceptionally heavy
Page 56
Page 77
Aberdeen Southern Breakwaters under construction. (para. 5.33). The completed Western Breakwater is shown in the left background.