ENG-1995 — Page 285

TRANSPORT

Road Safety

Traffic accidents involving injury decreased by 4.2 per cent in 1995. There were 14 790 accidents, of which 3 238 were serious and 244 fatal. This compares with 15 440 accidents in 1994, of which 3 279 were serious and 279 fatal.

In-depth investigations were carried out at 147 traffic accident blackspots to identify accident causes. Accident-prevention measures were recommended at 143 of these locations. Accidents have fallen 30 per cent at spots where measures were implemented.

Accident records are regularly updated, using a microcomputer-based traffic accident data system installed in 1991. The database provides a basis for traffic accident blackspot analysis and road safety strategy formulation. (Accident statistics are at Appendix 43.)

In the continuing exercise to deter motorists from disobeying traffic signals, more red-light cameras were installed in June 1995, and work has begun for additional cameras to be installed at the Light Rail Transit road junctions. The cameras auto- matically film red-light violations at traffic signals.

Road safety campaigns continued to play an important role in reducing traffic accidents. The major theme in 1995 was drink-driving. Stricter legislation to tackle the problem was passed in June and enforcement commenced on December 15. Posters, radio and television announcements, and a leaflet were produced and widely distributed. Also, in anticipation of new legislation on the fitting and wearing of rear seatbelts in private cars, posters, radio and television announcements were produced to advise the public.

At the end of 1995, 241 student road safety patrol teams of the Road Safety Association and 323 school staff crossing patrols operated in 555 schools to ensure the safety of school children going to and from school. The Road Safety Council, an advisory body, continued to co-ordinate all road safety matters in the territory.

Public Transport

Rail, ferry, bus and other transport services offer Hong Kong commuters a good range of choices at reasonable fares and different levels of comfort, speed and convenience.

Railways

The territory has five rail systems: a heavily-utilised mass transit system, a busy suburban railway, a modern light rail transit system, a traditional street tramway and The Peak funicular railway. The first three are operated by public corporations, wholly-owned by the government. The other two are privately owned.

Mass Transit Railway

The Mass Transit Railway Corporation operates a three-line metro system, comprising 43 route-kilometres with 38 stations, served by a fleet of 759 cars operating in eight-car trains. The system was opened in stages between October 1979 and August 1989. Patronage increased slightly during the year and by the year's end, the railway was carrying 2.5 million passengers a day. It is one of the busiest

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