TNAG-1659-FCO40-2307-Hong-Kong-roads-and-traffic-legislation-1987 — Page 94

XCC (87) 64.

THE TRAFFIC SITUATION

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There are already serious and increasing traffic congestion problems at the Lion Rock Tunnel, particularly for southbound traffic during the morning peak which has reached a peak flow

flow of about 3,400 vehicles per hour compared with a maximum design capacity of 3,250 vehicles per hour. Some marginal relief will result from the completion of Route 5, improvements to the Tai Po Road between Kowloon and Shatin, and the provision of a third southbound lane

lane on the Shatin side. Other measures, such as a toll increase, some restriction on heavy goods vehicles southbound in the morning peak and the purchase by KCRC of more rolling stock, are being considered. Nevertheless traffic projections suggest that in 1991 the potential daily two way flow through the Lion Rock Tunnel will be 117,000 vehicles, compared with about 91,000 in January this year, with a potential peak hour flow of 7,700, compared with 5,700 today, and a capacity of about 6,500 vehicles. When Tate's Cairn Tunnel opens daily two way flow through both tunnels is predicted to be about 137,000 with peak hour flows of about 9,000 vehicles. This gives some indication of the extent which demand will be suppressed by congestion prior to the opening of the new tunnel, and of the conditions that are likely to prevail at Lion Rock Tunnel in the meantime. overall traffic situation will therefore continue deteriorate until Tate's Cairn Tunnel opens.

PRIVATISATION - POLICY CONSIDERATIONS

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Despite the precedents of the Cross Harbour Tunnel and Eastern Harbour Crossing, the provision and maintenance of roads is normally a government responsibility, and it is arguable that this is particularly So with regard to the strategic road network in view of its crucial role in the life of Hong Kong. It is not the same in this respect as ancillary facilities, such as carparks, which have been privatised.

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Other arguments in favour of government control derive from

from problems which can occur when a third party is involved in events with possible, serious traffic implications, such as the recent Cross Harbour Tunnel staff dispute, or when toll adjustments are required on traffic management grounds. Problems are also envisaged if there are a number of different private operatorS, for example if the Government wishes to introduce a uniform automated toll collection system or adjust charges for traffic management reasons, and there is some worry that private operators may allow the extremely high standards required, e.g. in respect of safety, to slip towards the end of a franchise.