TRANSPORT
to-date and accurate transport information contributes towards efficient road use, better traffic flow, greater road safety and improved accessibility in the city.
To enable such information to be readily available in digital form, Transport Department plans to establish an efficient Transport Information System, with the assistance of modern technology. As most of the transport data are geographically related, Geographic Information System (GIS) is the most suitable technology for storing, analysing and displaying transport information. It can integrate maps with databases, digital drawings, photographs and so on for visual display and analysis. It will facilitate dissemination of transport information to the public via established distribution channels such as variable message panels and electronic mass media. Private sectors may also develop related commercial products and services, for example, car navigation systems. The department plans to invite the private sector to participate in the development of the system, so as to speed up the implementation process.
The department has also commissioned a consultancy study to explore the feasibility of applying advanced technology to enhance the management of the Strategic Road Network. The study began in July 1998 and will last 12 months. Its findings will be presented to members of the public and interested parties in mid- 1999.
Automatic Toll Collection
Automatic toll collection systems (auto systems) were installed at the Cross-Harbour and Aberdeen Tunnels in August 1993, Lion Rock Tunnel in August 1994, Eastern Harbour Crossing in September 1995, Tate's Cairn Tunnel in May 1996, Western Harbour Crossing in April 1997, Shing Mun Tunnels and Tseung Kwan O Tunnel in October 1997, Tai Lam Tunnel in June 1998 and Lantau Link in July 1998. They allow motorists to drive through designated toll booths without stopping to pay toll. Since October 1998, the auto systems have been unified so that a subscriber needs only one tag to use all tunnels and toll roads fitted with the systems.
Parking
The management and operation of on-street metered parking spaces is contracted out to a private operator. Ön-street parking is provided where traffic conditions permit. At the end of 1998, Hong Kong had 15 000 metered parking spaces, with meter charging mainly between 8 am and midnight from Monday to Saturday. Meter charging in areas of high demand has been extended to include Sundays and public holidays to better ration the use of the parking spaces.
The programme to replace mechanical parking meters with electronic parking devices was implemented progressively during the year. The electronic parking devices include smart-card-operated electronic parking meters and pay-and-display machines.
The government owns 13 multi-storey carparks which provide a total of 7 480 parking spaces. They are operated and managed by two private operators under management contracts with government.
Off-street public parking is provided by the Airport Authority at Hong Kong's new airport at Chek Lap Kok, the Housing Department in its housing estates and the KCRC at the terminus in Hung Hom. Private sector multi-storey and open-air public
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