ENG-2019 — Page 265

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Transport

Real-time information is available for free through the Transport Department's Road Traffic Information Service and the government's public-sector information portal, data.gov.hk. The department publishes an annual open data plan on its website which lists the datasets uploaded to the portal and other datasets to be released in the next three years. As at end- 2019, the data included traffic snapshots captured by fixed closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and traffic detectors at 374 strategic locations, estimated journey times of various cross-harbour routes and major routes between the New Territories and Kowloon at critical diversion points, traffic speed maps and special traffic news.

The department's all-in-one mobile application HKeMobility and website provide real-time traffic information, public transport information and walking and driving routes. People without mobile data services, such as tourists, may make use of 18 Hong Kong Traveller Information Kiosks installed at 15 locations, including the arrival hall of the airport's Terminal 1, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Peak Galleria and public transport interchanges.

A computerised Area Traffic Control system, connected to almost all traffic signal junctions, is responsive to changing road conditions. The system enables a series of green signals to light up for vehicles passing through the signalised junctions, thus achieving smooth traffic flow by minimising stops and delays. It was linked to 1,880 out of 1,916 road junctions operating with traffic signals at the year end, and will be connected to the remaining junctions progressively. To save costs and conserve the environment, light-emitting diode traffic signals are adopted.

Traffic control and surveillance facilities, such as vehicle detectors, CCTVs, variable message signs, variable speed limit signs and lane control signals, are in place on trunk highways. These facilities are provided in all tunnels and the respective approach roads, the HZMB Hong Kong Link Road, the Tsing Ma and Tsing Sha control areas, Airport Road, Shenzhen Bay Bridge and Tolo Highway, and are being installed on major highways under construction or reconstruction. 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. About 1,200 traffic detectors and 19 sets of a new Journey Time Indication System are being installed on strategic routes and major roads. A Traffic and Incident Management System, launched in end-2017, further supports the management of traffic and transport incidents and dissemination of information.

To enforce traffic rules, fixed digital red-light cameras are in operation at 203 signalised junctions to combat red-light jumping, while 36 digital speed enforcement cameras are deployed on a rotational basis in 179 fixed camera housings to combat speeding.

Electronic Toll Collection

Except for 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. During the year, 49.5 per cent of motorists used autotoll.

A 'stop-and-go' electronic payment service lets motorists pay tolls with Octopus cards and certain contactless credit cards. As at end-2019, the service was provided at the Cross-Harbour,

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