ENG-2015 — Page 260

13

Transport

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 for free through the government's data.gov.hk portal. The websites and mobile applications of 'Hong Kong eTransport' and 'Hong Kong eRouting' can facilitate the public's search for public transport information and driving routes, and to obtain real-time traffic information anytime and anywhere. People who do not have mobile data services can access the functions provided by Hong Kong eTransport at eight Hong Kong eTransport Kiosks that were installed in November 2014 as a pilot in six locations, including the arrival hall of the airport's Terminal 1, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and public transport interchanges. Ten more kiosks are being installed at other suitable locations and will be ready by mid-2016.

As at the end of 2015, 687 CCTV cameras were installed at busy traffic spots across the territory to monitor traffic conditions. Snapshots from CCTV cameras at 180 strategic locations are available to the public online and on mobile devices, so that commuters can check the traffic conditions in advance in planning their trips.

A computerised Area Traffic Control system connected to traffic signal junctions in the urban areas and in new towns in Tsuen Wan, Kwai Tsing, Sha Tin, Tai Po, North District, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long and Tseung Kwan O enables better traffic control in response to changing road conditions. At the year end, 1,879 road junctions were operating with traffic signals, 1,821 of which were linked to the system. The remaining junctions will be linked to the system progressively. To save costs and to conserve the environment, light emitting diode traffic signals are adopted.

Traffic control and surveillance (TCS) facilities, such as CCTVs, variable message signs, variable speed limit signs and lane control signals, are provided in all tunnels, the Tsing Ma Control Area, Tsing Sha Control Area, Airport Road and Shenzhen Bay Bridge. CCTVs and variable message signs are also found on Kong Sham Western Highway, San Tin Highway, San Sham Road, Tsing Long Highway, Tuen Mun Road, West Kowloon Highway and Yuen Long Highway. TCS facilities are being installed on major highways under construction or reconstruction.

Digital red light cameras are in operation at 155 signalised junctions throughout the territory to combat red light jumping, and new red light cameras are being installed at 40 signalised junctions. The number of signalised junctions with digital red light cameras in operation will be expanded to 195 in early 2016. There are 20 digital Speed Enforcement Camera units operating in 120 camera housings on a rotational basis. There are also five cameras operating in 33 camera housings on a rotational basis in the Tsing Ma Control Area and Tsing Sha Control Area. In addition, two portable speed enforcement cameras can be deployed flexibly at eight locations on a rotational basis in the Tsing Sha Control Area.

The Journey Time Indication System is in operation on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon side, providing estimated journey times of different cross-harbour routes at critical diversion points to help motorists make informed route choices. In addition, five speed map panels are in operation in the New Territories, advising commuters on the traffic conditions and estimated journey times of different routes towards Kowloon.

212