Police-1968-1969 — Page 44

PART V

TRAFFIC BRANCH

GENERAL REVIEW

146. In the last annual report reference was made to the disruption of normal Traffic Branch duties due to the disturbances of 1967. The result of this was a general deterioration in the standards of driving and conduct on the roads, and during the year under review a major effort has been made by way of education, persuasion, warning and prosecu- tion to reverse this trend and restore and, if possible, improve the standards of road discipline that obtained prior to the disturbances.

147. Public transport returned to more or less normal levels during the year and both bus companies announced plans to expand their fleets.

148. Various forms of illegal public transport have thrived and their operations are widely accepted. During the year consideration was given to legalizing the activities of mini-buses (van-type vehicles carrying 9 to 12 passengers) which carry passengers for hire and at the end of the year proposals for this were under consideration by Government.

149. Considerable work has also been done on the preparation of legislation to deal with parking offences by imposition of a fixed penalty. At the end of the year draft legislation was at an advanced stage.

150. The public have displayed interest in many facets of the Colony's traffic problems, much of the interest resulting in the publica- tion of letters in the press. To answer various queries, suggestions and complaints the Chief Superintendent of Police/Traffic wrote 125 letters to newspaper editors.

TRAFFIC PLANNING

151. 48 traffic light signals were installed during the year. Wherever possible these lights were combined with pedestrian crossing signals affording a greater degree of safety for pedestrians and lessening their conflict with the motorists.

152. A number of road improvements were made, the most important of which were the completion of the lower section of the Cotton Tree Drive complex on Hong Kong Island, and the opening of

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