ENG-2006 — Page 296

244 Transport

(KCRC) is now conducting engineering and business studies as well as preliminary site investigations.

There was also good progress regarding the development of road networks. Construction work for the eastern section of Route 8 between Tsing Yi and Sha Tin started in 2002 and would be completed in late 2007 (Cheung Sha Wan to Sha Tin) and in stages between 2008 and 2009 (Tsing Yi to Cheung Sha Wan). The Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Corridor is scheduled for operation in mid-2007 to tie in with the commissioning of the boundary crossing facilities (BCF) at Shekou. With this addition of a fourth cross-boundary land crossing, it is expected that Hong Kong's cross-boundary vehicle handling capacity will increase by more than two times. As regards the proposed Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, which will link Hong Kong direct with Pearl River West, the governments of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Macao Special Administrative Region are now tackling the outstanding issues of the feasibility study, including the locations of the BCF and financing arrangements.

Implementation of the Intelligent Transport Systems Strategy continued during the year. The scheme calls for deploying advanced information and telecommunication technologies to improve the safety, efficiency, reliability 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, the first phase of which has been put into operation on Hong Kong Island.

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 members, including the chairman and three government officials. A Transport Complaints Unit is established under the committee. In 2006, this unit received 20 248 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