ENG-2010 — Page 310

256 Transport

A Computerised Area Traffic Control (ATC) system 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, North District, Tuen Mun and Yuen Long and will be expanded to Tseung Kwan O by end-2011.

At year-end, 1 783 traffic signals at road junctions were in operation, 1 656 of which were linked to ATC systems.

Conventional traffic signals are being replaced by light emitting diode traffic signals for environmental reasons and cost savings. Replacement work in Kowloon is under way and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2011 while works in the New Territories will start in January 2011. The whole replacement project is expected to be completed by the autumn of 2012.

To facilitate traffic monitoring and incident management, traffic control and surveillance (TCS) facilities, such as CCTV, emergency telephones and lane signals, are 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.

To enhance further the deterrent effect and strengthen the enforcement against red light jumping and speeding, the 'Red Light Camera (RLC) System' and 'Speed Enforcement Camera (SEC) System' are being expanded. The RLC Phase 3 expansion project was completed by end-2010. Upon completion, all 155 housing locations were installed with digital cameras. The SEC Phase 2 expansion project is scheduled for completion in 2011. Upon project completion, a total of 20 digital camera units will operate in 120 camera housings on a rotational basis.

Five speed map panels will be installed in the New Territories to advise motorists on congestion levels along alternative routes and estimated journey time information on a map-type display. The project is scheduled for completion by early 2012.

A Traffic and Incident Management System will be developed to improve efficiency and effectiveness in managing traffic and transport incidents and in disseminating traffic and transport information to the public. The project is scheduled for completion in 2015.

Automatic Toll Collection

Automatic toll collection (autotoll) systems were first installed at the Cross-Harbour Tunnel and Aberdeen Tunnel in August 1993, and subsequently in all tunnels and at the Lantau Link. The systems 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 49 per cent of motorists used autotoll when passing through the tunnels and toll roads in 2010.