ENG-2002 — Page 296

TRANSPORT

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In response to the Government's tender invitation, the KCRC and the MTRCL submitted their proposals for the Shatin to Central Link in July 2001. Following a thorough assessment of the proposals, the Government decided in June 2002 to award the SCL project to the KCRC. The preliminary planning and design of the project is ongoing. Detailed planning and design of the Kowloon Southern Link commenced in September. The Government's assessment of the MTRCL's Island Line Extensions proposal is in its final stage. Results of the assessment are expected to be available in early 2003.

During the year, construction of several major road projects began, including Route 9 (Cheung Sha Wan and Sha Tin section) and Route 9 (Tsing Yi and Cheung Sha Wan section), Chok Ko Wan Link Road (Penny's Bay section), upgrading of Ting Kok Road between Tai Po Industrial Estate and Shuen Wan Chan Uk, and widening of Sai Sha Road between Kam Ying Road and the future Trunk Road T7 Junction. The detailed design for the Shenzhen Western Corridor and the Deep Bay Link also started.

In traffic management, a comprehensive Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Strategy, which sets out a plan for the deployment of advanced information and telecommunication technologies to enhance the safety, efficiency, reliability and user and environmental friendliness of the transport system in Hong Kong, was finalised in early 2001. The Government has commenced the implementation of two core projects under the ITS Strategy - a Transport Information System and a Journey Time Indication System.

A number of legislative amendments were implemented in 2002 to promote road safety. With effect from July 1, all drivers are required to turn on their vehicle headlamps during the hours of darkness or in conditions of poor visibility. A driver improvement scheme was launched on September 6, to enable drivers to attend to and rectify their problematic driving attitude and behaviour. The legislation to extend the seat belt requirement to the passenger seats of public light buses was passed by the Legislative Council in November, and the Government is preparing for its implementation in August 2004.

Administrative Framework

The Environment, Transport and Works Bureau of the Government Secretariat, headed by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, is responsible for, among other matters, the overall policy formulation, direction and coordination of land transport and ferry services. The Secretary is assisted by the Transport Advisory Committee, which advises the Chief Executive in Council on major transport policies and issues. The committee has 18 appointed members, including the chairman and three government officials. A Transport Complaints Unit is established under the committee, and in 2002 this unit received 15 332 complaints and suggestions on traffic and transport matters. On local transport matters, the Government is advised by the District Councils and their traffic and transport committees.

The Environment, Transport and Works Bureau is supported by the Transport Department and the Highways Department. The Transport Department is headed by the Commissioner for Transport. The Highways Department is headed by the Director of Highways. The Transport Department is the authority for administering the Road Traffic Ordinance and legislation regulating public transport operations. Its responsibilities cover transport planning, road traffic and tunnel management,