ENG-1959 — Page 270

222

HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT

in Central District during the early part of the year. Public opinion was not at first in favour of these meters, but as the novelty wore off they were accepted by the general public as a part of Hong Kong life. The present lack of off-street parking and the consequent increase in police action for offences against parking regulations has resulted in some deterioration in this aspect of relations between the public and the Police; the Police, however, have to enforce traffic regulations in order to keep traffic moving and to promote road safety. The problem, which is common to many large cities, can only be solved by the gradual provision of sufficient off-street parking, to absorb the steadily increasing

number of vehicles.

During 1959 pedestrian crossings, refuges and guard rails were provided at busy junctions according to programme. The installa- tion of four additional sets of automatic signals during the year brought the total number of light-controlled junctions to 16. Other appropriate signs for the direction of traffic were erected at various places throughout the Colony where they were considered neces- sary for greater safety.

The visit of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh in March was a happy occasion when the public, appreciating the special arrangements which were necessary, responded good humouredly and in doing so enabled the control of traffic to be carried out smoothly.

Education of the public in road safety was undertaken con- tinuously during the year by means of special task forces which were sent to show people on the ground how to use pedestrian crossings and motorists how to observe them. The results were encouraging and contributed materially to road safety and to an improved standard of good manners and courtesy; but there is much yet to be done in this field.

During the year it was decided that traffic constables solely engaged in directing traffic should no longer carry firearms.

Together with a 7.6% increase in the number of registered vehicles there was also a sharp rise in the number of traffic accidents. Fatal accidents rose from 154 in 1958 to 174 in 1959, while accidents involving serious injury increased from 951 to

Page 270Page 271