ENG-1996 — Page 358

PUBLIC ORDER

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Tak International Airport. Bred as gun dogs, they have traditionally proved their worth in support of searches for dangerous drugs, explosives and firearms and 1996 was no exception.

In January, the unit conducted its first annual police dog trials in novice and open categories. The event was well-attended and had raised awareness of individual skills through healthy competition amongst all handlers.

Traffic

The government amended regulations to extend the requirement for the compulsory fitting and wearing of seat belts to include the rear seats of private cars, and any middle front seats in private cars, taxis, light buses and goods vehicles. The new requirements took effect on June 1, 1996.

Since the enactment of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 1995, which empowered the Police to demand breath, blood or urine samples from motor vehicle drivers for analysis of alcohol level, the number of persons identified to have been driving under the influence of alcohol saw a dramatic upward trend and a tenfold increase in prosecutions. Stringent enforcement action and increased public awareness should help reduce accidents associated with drink driving.

Red Light Cameras, which aim to secure a reduction in accidents caused by offenders at red traffic lights, were introduced in 1993 as a joint project between the Police and Transport Department. In 1996, additional sites were identified along the Light Rail Transit corridor, which were considered accident black spots. Plans for further expansion of the use of red light cameras in the urban areas, along with an automated prosecution system, are also under active development.

Vehicular traffic to and from China, mainly heavy goods vehicles, continued to rise during 1996. The proliferating cross-border traffic, coupled with increasing traffic population, posed serious congestion problems in the northern and western parts of the New Territories. With a view to maintaining traffic flow in an emergency situation, Police in the New Territories, in conjunction with Transport Department, have developed contingency plans and procedures to tackle congestion at various locations, particularly along Tuen Mun Road.

The Traffic Surveillance and Information System (TSIS) is an inter-departmental project involving the Police, Highways and Transport Departments. The system is being designed to provide close circuit television (CCTV), variable message and overhead gantry signs as well as an automatic incident detection system for both Tuen Mun Highway and the Tsing Ma Control Area which covers the access roads and bridges to the new airport. The system is expected to be fully operational in 1998. A feasibility study is currently under way to install a TSIS for Tolo Highway.

The radio system for traffic police, which had been in service since 1982, was replaced by a new system in 1996. The new radio system provided an improved infrastructure, with new hilltop/tunnel repeaters as well as motorcycle and portable radios. Radio coverage for traffic police including short-range, point-to-point, expressways and tunnels have all been enhanced to meet increasing operational requirements. The system cost $98.4 million.

During 1996, there were 14 390 traffic accidents involving casualties, representing a decrease of 2.8 per cent against the previous year. The number of fixed penalty tickets