ENG-2005 — Page 299

Transport | 253

addition, studying the feasibility of the Northern Link and the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link and is examining the reports on these two proposed projects submitted by the KCRC in June and July respectively. The Government is examining the option of using the existing West Rail, the proposed Northern Link and the Kowloon Southern Link now under construction to form the Hong Kong section of the Express Rail Link.

During the year, work started on improving the San Tin Interchange, which is a major road project. There were also further developments in the planning of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge that will link Hong Kong with Pearl River West. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Advance Work Coordination Group, set up by the governments of Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macao, has established a project office in Guangzhou and has substantially completed the feasibility study on the bridge.

The implementation of the comprehensive Intelligent Transport Systems Strategy continued during the year. The strategy 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. It features two core projects the Transport Information System, which is under development, and the Journey Time Indication System, which has been put into operation.

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. In 2005, this unit received 17 315 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 bureau is supported by the Transport Department and the Highways Department. The Transport Department, headed by the Commissioner for Transport, 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, car parks and metered parking spaces, regulation of roads, railways and waterborne public transport, licensing of drivers and registration, and licensing and inspection of vehicles. The Highways Department, headed by the Director of Highways, is responsible for the overall design and construction of highways, and their repair and maintenance. The department also studies new railway proposals, monitors their construction and helps to resolve any interface problems they may have with other works projects.

The Hong Kong Police Force is the principal agency for enforcing traffic legislation and prosecuting offenders. The Prosecutions Unit of the Transport