ENG-1963 — Page 275

LAW, ORDER AND RECORDS

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More pedestrian subways and bridges, fly-overs and other modern systems will be built or are under consideration for introduction into the urban areas to ensure good traffic flow and minimum inconvenience to drivers and pedestrians.

Orderly parking also contributes to traffic flow and the con- venience of the pedestrian. The programme of installing parking meters in the central urban areas continued and at the end of the year the number of metered spaces was approximately 3,300; the capacity of Government car-parks was 2,249.

A new 'intermediate' driving test was introduced in June for applicants for private car driving licences. This test of basic control eliminates candidates who are not ready to take the full test and has reduced much of the previous obstruction caused by learner drivers. The number of licensed drivers increased by 14,155 to 144,667.

Road Safety. The traffic branch was greatly assisted by the interest and co-operation of several civic organizations in making road safety better known to members of the public. They included the Kaifong associations, the chambers of commerce, rotary clubs, the Road Safety Association, the Hong Kong Automobile Associa- tion and the Hong Kong Institute of Advanced Motorists. In addition to co-ordinating the efforts and suggestions of these groups, the traffic branch paid particular attention to schools and with the co-operation of the Education Department and teachers, visits were made by special traffic education teams to as many schools as possible with the object of making children aware of the dangers on the roads and to explain what they should do to avoid them.

The Communications and Transport Branch is responsible for the planning, installation and maintenance of the force telephone, teleprinter and radio systems. It also controls police transport and the training of drivers. The branch has an establishment of 53 civilian radio and radar technicians who man a central workshop and other installations in the districts.

The police transport fleet now exceeds 400 vehicles and includes motor scooters and buses. Driving instruction is carried out at the Police Driving School in the New Territories.

Women Police. Recruitment for women police has improved and women recruits continue to train alongside the men. The new