ENG-1992 — Page 264

TRANSPORT

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under 1.9 tonnes over three years old. In 1992, 87 913 cars and 6 628 light goods vehicles were inspected at car testing centres, while a further seven centres were added to the scheme during 1992.

All public transport vehicles continued to be inspected annually, while the random inspection of in-service franchised buses was increased slightly.

Changes to the vehicle emission controls came into effect on January 1 and resulted in approval being given for many new models of private car designed to use unleaded petrol only.

Road Safety

Traffic accidents involving injury decreased by 0.1 per cent in 1992. During the year there were 15 310 accidents, of which 3 439 were serious and 316 fatal. This compares with 15 327 in 1991 (3 561 serious, 300 fatal). In-depth investigations were carried out at 114 traffic accident blackspots in order to identify accident causes. Remedial accident preven- tion measures were recommended at 89 of these locations. These measures, when implemented, have been shown to reduce accidents by 30 per cent on average. Accident statistics are at Appendix 39.

Road safety campaigns continued to play an important role in reducing traffic accidents. The major themes of 1992 campaigns were adult pedestrian safety, particularly for the elderly, and promoting road safety for drivers, especially light goods vehicle drivers and motorcyclists. Posters, television announcements and leaflets were produced and widely distributed. To convey road safety messages to mass audiences, a series of radio and television road safety programmes were broadcast. A set of 'dos' and 'don'ts' which aim to convey simple rules to motorists and pedestrians was publicised through various established channels such as the Road Safety Quarterly and district functions organised by the police. A road safety jingle was composed and broadcast on radio. A road safety campaign targeted at kindergarten children was launched in mid-1992.

The new microcomputer-based traffic accident data system has been in use since 1991. Accident records are updated daily. Accident statistics and map plots for traffic accident blackspot analysis and road safety strategy formulation are retrieved, compiled and analysed as a basis for instituting road safety improvements.

By the end of 1992, the Road Safety Association of Hong Kong operated 640 school road safety patrols and school staff patrols operated at 627 schools, all with the objective of ensuring 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.

Public Transport

The Hong Kong public transport system is notable for its variety of modes and operators, its intensity of usage, and the absence of Government subsidies. A network of rail, ferry, bus and other road services extends to almost every part of the territory.

Railways

There are five rail systems, comprising a heavily-utilised underground/elevated mass transit system, a busy suburban railway, a modern light railway, a traditional street tramway and the Peak funicular railway. The first three rail systems are operated by public