ENG-1984 — Page 264

TRANSPORT

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fall. The revised Road Traffic Ordinance and its Regulations, which came into effect in August, introduced a number of new measures including compulsory medical examinations for drivers aged over 70, driving tests for heavy and articulated goods vehicles and a new system of Passenger Services Licences for public light buses and non-franchised buses. A new style of driving licence was also introduced.

Goods Vehicles

Goods vehicles increased from 69 057 in December 1983 to 72 060 at the end of 1984. The movement of goods within Hong Kong is almost exclusively accomplished by goods. vehicles. The vital role of these vehicles in providing freight transport movement is recognised and many service functions of business firms and utilities depend on them.

During the year, a study of the economic and transport aspects of the trucking industry in Hong Kong was carried out by consultants. The study was completed in July and a report was published examining the general structure and economics of the industry and the likely effects of various suggested policies. The recommendations contained in the report are being studied.

In the interest of general safety, new measures affecting the construction and main- tenance of goods vehicles were introduced under the new road traffic legislation.

Vehicle Examination

The Transport Department operates four vehicle examination centres, at Kowloon Bay, To Kwa Wan, Sheung Kwai Chung and So Kon Po, providing facilities for the annual inspection of all taxis, private and public light buses, private and public omnibuses and vehicles-licensed to carry dangerous goods. The programme was extended in 1984 to include goods vehicles manufactured before 1976. Vehicles involved in accidents are examined at police pounds at Ho Man Tin, Kwai Shing Circuit and Hung Hing Road. Airport vehicles are inspected in situ at the airport, while franchised buses are inspected at the depots of bus companies. All new taxis, light buses, goods vehicles, trailers and the first make and model of private cars and motorcycles were inspected upon first registration. More than 70 000 inspections were carried out in 1984. Planning is in hand to authorise private garages to inspect private cars which are six years old or more.

Road Safety

Traffic accidents involving injury decreased by 10.3 per cent in 1984. During the year, 15 100 accidents were recorded; 4 650 were serious and 290 fatal. This compares with 16 838 in the previous year (5 992 serious, 322 fatal). Investigations to identify the factors. contributing to traffic accidents were carried out by the Transport Department at 93 locations and remedial measures were recommended at 53 of these locations.

Road safety campaigns continued to play an important role in the reduction of traffic accidents. Traffic education teaching kits were also produced for use in schools. Road safety features significantly in the new road traffic legislation, where two of the most notable features are the compulsory use of seat belts by front seat private car occupants, and the fitting of reflective registration number plates on all vehicles.

By the end of 1984, there were 249 Road Safety School Patrols comprising over 7 000 members, whose main function is to ensure the safety of school children on their way to and from school. The Road Safety Council, an advisory body, continued to co-ordinate all road safety matters in the territory. A paper on road safety strategy was completed.