TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DIVISIONS
Chief Engineer:
KWOK Wai-kai, B.Sc.(Eng.),
B.Sc.(Eng.), C.Eng., M.I.C.E., M.I.H.E., M.I.T.E.
TSANG Nai-lok, B.Sc.(Eng.), M.I.C.E.
General
H.C. BEATON, B.Sc., M.Sc., M.I.C.E., M.I.T.E., F.I.H.E. SIU Chuen, B.Sc.(Eng.), M.I.C.E. (Acting)
9.43
The two Traffic Engineering Divisions, regionally located on Hong Kong Island and the Mainland, are responsible for the promotion of safe, expeditious and economical movement of persons and goods on the roads.
9.44
There was a lower rate of increase of vehicle registration in the year under review.
The actual number of vehicles registered rose by 8,312, representing a rate of increase of 4.3% as opposed to an increase of 14.1% in the previous year. The increase in vehicle ownership naturally aggravates the problem of traffic congestion in the urban areas. The shortage of parking spaces became more acute.
9.45
The graph on page 98 illustrates the growth in population, road mileage, accidents involving personal injury, and vehicle registration in the past decade. It may be seen that the vehicle registration total has exceeded 200,000 and that, on average, there are over 310 vehicles for every mile of road.
Traffic Aids
9.46
The installation of all types of traffic aids continued throughout the year in conjunction with highway improvement schemes or in connection with traffic management schemes.
9.47
The Stanley Prison Sign Shop continued to manufacture reflectorised traffic signs.
This year, following improvements in facilities, the capacity for production in the sign shop was more than the demand. Unfortunately, it proved impossible to commence the production of stoved enamel signs due to these technical difficulties in the supply of sufficient electrical power. Problems, however, should be overcome shortly and it is expected to add this type of sign to the range of products now being manufactured.
9.48
Contracts were let during the course of the year for traffic sign supports, stoved enamel signs, steel barrier rail, headlight screening fence, and reflective road studs.
9.49
New directional signs were installed at various locations and existing directional signs were replaced with improved signs in accordance with a specific programme.
9.50
There was a net increase of 137 illuminated traffic aids in the whole Colony, 54 on Hong Kong Island, 48 in Kowloon and 35 in the New Territories.
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