ENG-2008 — Page 309

Transport 245

The department also operates a computerised Area Traffic Control (ATC) system that is connected to the traffic signalling 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, the ATC systems in Tuen Mun and Yuen Long has been in operation since October. A project to replace ATC systems in Kowloon, Tsuen Wan and Sha Tin and extend the system to Tseung Kwan O commenced in early 2007. Construction works is expected for completion by the end of 2011.

At year-end, 1 748 signals at road junctions were in operation, 1 343 of which were linked to ATC systems.

To facilitate traffic monitoring and incident management, traffic control and surveillance (TCS) facilities, such as CCTV, emergency telephones and lane signals, have been provided in all tunnels. To enhance operational efficiency further, more TCS facilities such as variable message signs, variable speed limit signs and automatic incident detection systems have been installed, or are being retrofitted in some tunnels. The Tsing Ma Control Area, Tsing Sha Control Area and Kong Sham Western Highway are also equipped with TCS facilities.

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. They allow motorists with tags on their vehicles to drive through designated toll booths without having to stop to pay. Since October 1998, these autotoll systems have been unified so that a subscriber needs only one tag to use all tunnels and toll roads fitted with the system. About 48 per cent of motorists used autotoll when passing through the tunnels and toll roads in 2008.

Parking

On-street parking is provided where there is demand and where traffic conditions permit. At year-end, Hong Kong had about 17 900 parking spaces with electronic parking meters in operation. These parking spaces are managed and operated by a private operator.

The Government owns 14 multi-storey car parks plus the Sheung Shui Park-and-Ride Public Car Park and an open-air car park near the Lantau Link View Point, together providing about 7 900 parking spaces. They are run 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 Hong Kong International Airport, the Housing Department and the Link REIT in some public housing estates, and the private sector in multi-storey commercial/residential buildings and open-air public car parks. Park-and-ride facilities are operated by MTRCL at Choi Hung Station on the Kwun Tong Line, at Hong Kong, Kowloon and Tsing Yi Stations on the Airport Express, Kam Sheung Road Station on the West Rail Line, and at some commercial car parks located near