ENG-2006 — Page 310

258 Transport

Images captured by CCTV cameras at 43 strategic locations were first shown to the public on the Internet in 1999. This was well received, prompting the Transport Department to install the cameras at 120 locations.

Transport Department went the extra mile in 2006 by setting up a mobile CCTV system which relayed images on traffic movements instantly to traffic control centres so that quick action can be taken when traffic is disrupted.

The Transport Department also operates a computerised Area Traffic Control (ATC) system that is connected to the traffic singalling system in a district, enabling better control of changing conditions on the road. ATC systems are now in operation in the urban areas and in the new towns at Tsuen Wan, Kwai Tsing, Sha Tin, Ma On Shan, Tai Po and North District. Upgrading of the ATC system on Hong Kong Island was completed in mid-2006. In addition, a contract for the provision of ATC systems for Tuen Mun and Yuen Long was awarded in 2006 and the system will be in operation by October 2008.

At year-end, 1 720 signalised junctions were in operation, 1 329 of which are linked to ATC systems.

Traffic control and surveillance (TCS) facilities, such as CCTV systems and lane signals, have been provided in all tunnels and in the Tsing Ma Control Area. Variable message signs, automatic incident detection systems and variable speed limit signs have been installed or are being retrofitted in some tunnels. Major new roads and highways, including the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Corridor (HK-SWC), the Deep Bay Link and Route 8 between Sha Tin and Tsing Yi, will have new TCS equipment.

Automatic Toll Collection

Automatic toll collection (autotoll) systems were first installed at the Cross- Harbour Tunnel and Aberdeen Tunnel in August 1993, and then subsequently in all tunnels and at the Lantau Link. The systems allow motorists to pay tolls by driving through designated toll booths without stopping. Since October 1998, these autotol! systems have been unified so that a subscriber needs only one tag to use all tunnels and toll roads fitted with the system. About 49 per cent of motorists use autotoll when passing through the tunnels and toll roads.

Parking

On-street parking is provided where there is parking demand and traffic conditions permit. At year-end, Hong Kong had about 17 800 metered parking spaces with electronic parking meters in operation. The management and operation of on-street metered parking spaces is contracted out to a private operator.

The Government owns 14 multi-storey car parks and the Sheung Shui Park-and-Ride Public Car Park, which together provide about 7 800 parking spaces. They are operated and managed by two private operators under management contracts with the Government.

In addition to government car parks, off-street public parking is provided by the Airport Authority at the airport at Chek Lap Kok, the Housing Department and The