ENG-2001 — Page 320

TRANSPORT

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hand-held telecommunication equipment while their vehicles are in motion, from July 1.

Legislative amendments were also being prepared during the year to require the compulsory use of headlamps on motor vehicles during the hours of darkness or in conditions of poor visibility, regularising the use of hazard warning lights, and extending the compulsory fitting and wearing requirements of seat belts to the passenger seats of new public light buses. Legislation was also prepared for a driver improvement scheme to enable drivers to attend to and rectify their problematic driving attitude and behaviour.

Road safety campaigns continued to play an important role in reducing traffic accidents. The main theme chosen for campaigns in 2001 was 'Smart Driving'. The message was conveyed through television and radio announcements, printed materials and on the Internet.

Transport and Environment

In planning for transport infrastructure projects, the Government is guided by sustainable development principles. It strives to ensure a better integration of transport provisions with land use planning so as to reduce the number of trips generated. It is also the Government's policy to accord priorities to railways such that they would become the backbone of the transport system. In the next few years, one railway line or extension will come into operation almost every year until 2007, namely the MTR Tseung Kwan O Extension in 2002, the West Rail (Phase I) in 2003, the Ma On Shan to Tai Wai Rail Link and the KCR Tsim Sha Tsui Extension in 2004, the Penny's Bay Rail Link in 2005 and the Sheung Shui to Lok Ma Chau Spur Line in 2007. Less reliance on road-based transport will alleviate the pressure on transport systems and in turn, lessen the impact on the environment. At the same time, greater emphasis will be placed on the needs of pedestrians. Separation of pedestrians from vehicular traffic will help reduce the impact of vehicle emissions and noise pollution on pedestrians.

The environmental impact of new transport projects both during the construction and operation phases is also being carefully examined. Environmental mitigation. measures, such as landscaping, artificial contouring of surrounding hillsides, depressed road, laying of noise-reducing road surfacing and the installation of noise barriers and noise insulation works are implemented where necessary to minimise the environmental impact of transport projects.

To improve the environment for pedestrians, more pedestrian walkway systems would be planned and implemented. Pedestrian walkway systems can help minimise conflict between pedestrians and vehicles, reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, as well as providing a better environment for pedestrians. The priority areas being studied are Central, Wan Chai and Tsuen Wan. In 2001, a preliminary feasibility study began on a proposed elevated walkway linking Wan Chai and Admiralty. The detailed design of the Tsuen Wan Town Centre Walkway project was due to start in 2002. Construction works would commence in 2004 for completion in 2007.

Separately, pedestrianisation schemes involving the permanent or temporary closure of streets for the priority or exclusive use of pedestrians have been examined and implemented. The main objective is to provide pedestrians with a safer