ENG-1984 — Page 254

TRANSPORT

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For Hong Kong and Kowloon, fares are $5 for the first two kilometres and 70 cents for each subsequent 267 metres; for the New Territories and Lantau, the fare is $3.30 for the first two kilometres and 70 cents for each subsequent 400 metres. A double charge of $20 is applicable for the Cross-Harbour Tunnel toll.

A comprehensive review of taxi policy was completed in 1984. Following this review, it was decided that the annual licence fee for taxis should be increased from $1,600 to $2,000 from January 1, 1985. New limits on the number of Hong Kong and Kowloon and New Territories taxis would also come into effect on the same date.

More Economic Use of the Roads

Traffic management measures were introduced to improve conditions at the MTR Admiralty Station, the Gloucester Road area and the approach to the Sai Wan Ho vehicular ferry pier.

In Kowloon, extensive traffic management was introduced in Wang Tau Hom and Tsim Sha Tsui East to relieve congestion caused by new developments. Traffic generated by increased commercial and industrial activities in the older parts of Mong Kok, east of Nathan Road and in the Wai Yip Street area in Kwun Tong also required a traffic management scheme. In Tsuen Wan, the introduction of a one-way circulatory system in the industrial area bounded by Texaco Road, Yeung Uk Road and Ma Tau Pa Road was successful in relieving congestion.

During the year, the installation of traffic lights at road intersections continued and the number of pedestrian crossings increased; 570 traffic light sets were in operation. However, more emphasis is now given to the grade-separation of pedestrian traffic by providing more footbridges and subways so as to improve pedestrian safety and increase junction capacity. The Area Traffic Control System using computers and television monitors is steadily expanding with 230 junctions in Kowloon and 90 junctions in the northeastern part of Hong Kong Island between Wan Chai and Shau Kei Wan under control. A contract was awarded for the Hong Kong Island final Area Traffic Control System covering over 200 junctions along the northern corridor of Hong Kong Island between Kennedy Town and Shau Kei Wan.

Road Tunnels

Hong Kong's road infrastructure includes four twin-tube tunnels. The Lion Rock, Aberdeen and Airport Tunnels are managed, by the Transport Department but the Cross-Harbour Tunnel is owned and operated by a private company, the Cross-Harbour Tunnel Company Limited.

The Lion Rock Tunnel links urban Kowloon to Sha Tin and thence to the northeastern areas of the New Territories. It opened in 1967 as a single tube facility. By 1978, a second tube had been provided, using a computerised system of surveillance and toll collection. On April 1, 1984, the toll structure was revised to $2 for all classes of vehicles and average daily traffic at mid-year was 63 000.

The Aberdeen Tunnel runs between Happy Valley and Wong Chuk Hang, providing increased road capacity between the north and south sides of Hong Kong Island. Constructed as a two-tube facility, it was opened to one-tube operation in March 1982 and a year later the second tube was opened. The $2 flat toll originally imposed remains in force and utilisation has grown to 32 500 vehicles per day.

The toll-free Airport Tunnel serves to provide a more direct road access from the central area of Kowloon to Hong Kong International Airport and, by crossing beneath the airport