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It also provides with self-checking facilities for its proper functioning to faults detect system or cable damages so that public confidence in their serviceability is enhanced.
A typical ETS consists of telephone sets, concentrator and associated cable network on the field, and control centre's equipment including central equipment, control panel and computer.
The telephone sets are strategically installed at suitable locations at about 500- metre intervals along both sides of SRN roads.
SRN consists of trunk roads linking various districts of the territory, including Island Eastern Corridor, West Kowloon Corridor, Kwun Tong By-pass, Ma On Shan Road, Tolo Highway, New Territories Circular Road, Sha Tin Road, Tuen Mun Road, Lok Ma Chau Road and Tsing Yi Bridges.
In 1994-95, a total of 426 calls were received, a decrease of 50 calls or 11 per cent comparing to 476 calls received in 1993-94.
"In analysing the records, we find out that the combined calls of 383 from goods vehicles (226) and private cars (157), representing 90 per cent of total calls by vehicle types.
"The main reason for using ETS was vehicle breakdowns with recorded in 1994-95 and 45$ calls in 1993-94," Mr Tsang said.
416 calls
The highest usage rate of ETS was recorded on Tolo Highway with 208 calls received in 1994-95 and 267 calls in 1993-94, representing 49 per cent and 56 per cent of the respective yearly figures.
It is followed by Island Eastern Corridor (75 in 1994-95), New Territories Circular Road (65 in 1994-95), and Tuen Mun Road (49 in 1994-95).
According to the record, ETS were more frequently used between 8 am and 8 pm with 317 calls received, or 74 per cent of total calls.
However, records do not clearly indicate which month or months has/have more callers.
Looking forward to the future development of ETS, Mr Tsang said: "We are planning to install more emergency telephones on road sides according to priority, and gradually upgrade the existing old system should resources permitted."