Police-1961-1962 — Page 38

drivers is now 123,464. Figures since 1957-58 are shown at Appendix VIII, Table B.

EXAMINATION OF VEHICLES

156. 20,270 motorized and 4,843 non-motorized vehicles were inspected.

TRAFFIC PROBLEMS

157. The volume of traffic again increased and the need for more off-street parking areas to enable free traffic-flow in the urban areas is great. A number of plans to extend one-way street systems and kerbside parking spaces have been examined. Some of these were implemented to improve traffic circulation and increase parking facilities. Plans for the extension of metered parking in the Central and Tsim Sha Tsui districts were prepared towards the end of the year. The plans include the installation of seventeen hundred additional parking meters, primarily intended to regulate short-term parking at the kerb and to assist in eliminating congestion caused by parked vehicles in main thoroughfares.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

158. In order to meet the ever increasing demand for public transport a considerable expansion of the bus services operating in most areas is needed. Some improvements were effected by both Companies during the year. The replacing of single deck with double deck buses has contributed largely to these improvements. Other measures included the introduction of new routes and increased frequencies of service on existing routes in both urban and rural areas.

159. The introduction during the year of New Territories taxis and public hire cars has resulted in a considerable decline in the operation of illegal transport services. Much however remains to be done before the complete elimination of these illegal services is achieved. Until the needs of the public are fully met by the provision of adequate transport in both urban and rural areas, this form of activity will be difficult to stop.

160. The Advisory Committee on Public Transport was appointed in October, 1961, to examine and make recommendations for the improvement and co-ordination of the public transport services generally. In the short time which elapsed between its appointment and the end of the year, the Committee, with the co-operation of the operators of the transport services, have planned a number of improvements.

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