TNAG-0523-FCO40-618-Visits-of-members-of-Urban-Council-from-Hong-Kong--to-UK-1975 — Page 55

(4)

(a)

Urban explosion

(b)

Hong Kong's congested pavements caused by increased population

inevitably bring pedestrians into conflict with vehicles at crossing

points of roads. Not only does this conflict threaten the safety

of pedestrians (death 1 day), it also impedes the flow of vehicular

traffic.

Problems arising from urban explosion (Source: World Bank

Sector Policy paper on Urban Transport): -

(i)

(ii)

The problems created by the explosive growth of the cities

of the developing world and rapid rise in ownership of

private automobiles necessitate a radical rethinking of

urban transport policies and programs. Advantage should

be taken of the great opportunities that exist for improving

the efficiency of public transport and thereby influencing

the pattern of urban growth to produce more livable cities.

In view of the shortage of resources available, it is urgent

that attention be given to cheap modes of transport for the

urban poor, many of whom cannot afford any form of

motorized transport.

(iii) Improvement of the efficiency of urban transport

will facilitate the absorption of newcomers into

the urban economy, thereby indirectly helping to relieve the

pressures of surplus rural populations and rural poverty.

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