ENG-2014 — Page 265

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Transport

80 per cent of drivers who attended the course did not incur new driving-offence points for six months after the course.

Vehicle Examination

Vehicles are examined routinely to ensure they are safe, roadworthy and properly maintained. In 2014, 223,000 vehicles were examined at the government vehicle examination centres. In addition, 3,500 spot checks were carried out on franchised buses to determine their safety, roadworthiness and service standards. Private cars over six years old and light goods vehicles not exceeding 1.9 tonnes are inspected annually at 22 designated car testing centres run by the private sector. These centres carried out 312,500 vehicle examinations.

All vehicles imported into Hong Kong must be examined to make sure they meet statutory requirements before they can be registered and licensed. In 2014, 929 vehicle types were approved.

Intelligent Transport Systems

Real-time traffic data (including closed circuit television (CCTV) traffic snapshot images, cross- harbour journey times, traffic speed maps, and special traffic news) can be downloaded by the public for free through the government Data.One portal. The websites and mobile applications of 'Hong Kong eTransport' and 'Hong Kong eRouting' have been enhanced to make it easier for the public to search for public transport information and driving routes, and to obtain real-time traffic information anytime and anywhere. In November 2014, eight 'Hong Kong eTransport Kiosks' were installed, as a pilot, in six locations, including Terminal 1's arrival halls at the airport, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and public transport interchanges, enabling those who do not have mobile data service to access the functions provided by Hong Kong eTransport.

As at the end of 2014, there were 669 CCTV cameras installed at busy traffic spots across the territory to monitor traffic conditions so that drivers can be alerted to avoid adverse traffic conditions as soon as possible. Snapshot images from CCTV cameras at 180 strategic locations are available to the public online and on mobile devices.

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, 1,863 traffic signals were in operation at road junctions, 1,802 of which were linked to the ATC system. The remaining junctions will be linked to the ATC system progressively. To save costs and the environment, all conventional traffic signals on public roads have been replaced with light emitting diode traffic signals.

Traffic control and surveillance (TCS) facilities, such as CCTV, variable speed limit signs and lane signals, are provided in all tunnels, Tsing Ma Control Area, Tsing Sha Control Area and Kong Sham Western Highway. TCS facilities are also being installed on major highways under construction or reconstruction.

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