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secondly, by encouraging the public to participate by operating an incentive scheme which rewards informers.

thirdly, by close co-operation with neighbouring Customs bodies to share information and intelligence on both a regular and ad hoc basis.

End/Wednesday, April 19, 1995

Directional signs on expressways

Following is a question by the Hon Roger Luk Koon-hoo and a written reply by the acting Secretary for Transport, Mr Rafael Hui, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Will the Administration inform this Council whether there is any plan to introduce a system of identification numbers for the exits and entrances along the territory's major expressways so as to reduce the chances of drivers losing their orientation?

Reply:

Mr President,

At present, directional signs are provided for all major roads in the territory. The format adopted for such signs is consistent with international practice in terms of their size, location, layout and the indication of destinations.

Directional signs on expressways show both route numbers and destinations. Once a destination has been indicated on a directional sign, it is retained on subsequent signs until the destination is reached. In addition, on major routes, these include exit markings for local destinations. For example, Route 1, which runs from Hong Kong Island to Lok Ma Chau, shows turn-offs for Ma On Shan, Tai Po North, Fanling and Sheung Shui.

Identification or junction numbers are allocated to interchanges on motorways in the United Kingdom and in some other countries. These numbers appear on directional signs and in route maps. They are useful as an aid to motorists and also, for example, in relation to public announcements about road closures and accident locations. With the expansion of the expressway system in Hong Kong, the Transport Department is looking into the desirability of including junction numbers on expressway directional signs.

End/Wednesday, April 19, 1995