ENG-2012 — Page 265

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Transport

Intelligent Transport Systems

Real-time traffic data including closed circuit television (CCTV) images, cross-harbour journey time, speed lines and special traffic news can be downloaded by the public for free through the government Data.One portal. The 'Hong Kong eTransport' website and mobile applications were enhanced in 2012 to provide better service for the public in search of public transport information. Mobile applications of 'Hong Kong eRouting' are scheduled for official launch in early 2013.

In 2012, there were 667 CCTV cameras installed at heavy traffic spots in the urban areas, the new towns and on major highways to monitor traffic conditions at these places so that drivers. can be alerted to avoid them. Images from CCTV cameras at 180 strategic locations were made available to the public on the internet and through mobile phones in 2012.

A computerised 'Area Traffic Control (ATC) system connected to the traffic signalling system 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, Yuen Long and Tseung Kwan O enables better traffic control in response to changing road conditions. At year-end, 1,835 traffic signals were in operation at road junctions, 1,736 of which were linked to ATC systems. All conventional traffic signals were replaced by light emitting diode traffic signals by October 2012 for environmental reasons and

to save costs.

Traffic control and surveillance (TCS) facilities, such as CCTV, emergency telephones and lane signals, are provided in all tunnels and at the Tsing Ma Control Area, the Tsing Sha Control Area and the Kong Sham Western Highway. Additional TCS facilities such as variable message signs, variable speed limit signs and automatic incident detection systems were installed, or will be installed, in some tunnels.

Digital red light cameras are in operation at 155 signalised junctions throughout the territory to combat red light jumping, and new red light cameras will be installed at another 40 junctions by 2015. The 'Speed Enforcement Camera (SEC) System' was expanded in 2012. By early 2013, there will be 20 digital camera units operating in 120 camera housings on a rotational basis.

Five speed map panels are being installed in the New Territories to advise motorists on congestion levels along alternative routes and provide information on estimated journey time on a map-type display. All five speed map panels are expected to be operational in early 2013.

A 'Traffic and Incident Management System' is being 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

Except the Discovery Bay Tunnel Link, all tolled tunnels and the Lantau Link have automatic toll collection (autotoll) systems, allowing motorists with autotoll tags on their vehicles to drive through designated toll booths without having to stop to pay. About 48 per cent of motorists used autotoll when driving through the tolled tunnels and tolled roads in 2012.

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