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SCMP Editorial

Police were spoiled for choice when they selected four black-spot traffic junctions in Hong Kong for a trial of video monitoring to tackle congestion and improve law enforcement.
In the end they settled on four well-known locales on Hong Kong Island with which few would disagree, even if they could easily have suggested alternatives.
Traffic police are to begin fining motorists at the four black spots in Central and Causeway Bay from April 22, using as evidence surveillance footage recorded by the Transport Department.
The four spots are the intersections of Ice House Street, Pedder Street and Bonham East Road with Queen’s Road Central and the junction of Queen’s Road East and Wong Nai Chung Road.
The aim is to deter offences, such as unauthorised stopping by the roadside or in the yellow boxed junction, causing obstruction or safety risks.
Mak Chung-kit, superintendent of enforcement and control on Hong Kong Island, said the trial spots were chosen because congestion could feed into jams on nearby major arterial roads.
The new approach would improve enforcement against offences such as vehicles stopping to load and unload goods or passengers.
Around 5pm one weekday, near the intersection of Pedder Street and Queen’s Road Central, the Post saw at least 30 vehicles in 10 minutes either stopping to pick up passengers on double yellow lines or being forced to remain stationary in the middle of the junction due to congestion.
A few taxis also were seen dropping off passengers in the middle of the street because the roadside was blocked by trucks loading goods.
Many cars remained stuck in the intersection when the traffic lights turned red, forcing pedestrians to weave between the vehicles.
In front of Manning House on Queen’s Road Central, at least eight vehicles were seen waiting at around 6pm, forcing a private minibus to stop in the middle of the road to pick up passengers while the cars behind merged into one lane, slowing traffic.
Police said they would review footage during high congestion periods, identify offenders and issue fixed penalty notices.
As with other traffic offences, drivers have the right to dispute the charge. But the risk of being observed, without an officer in sight, should improve compliance with the road rules and common courtesy.


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Unseen eyes put focus on traffic black spots in Hong Kong

A notice at the intersection of Pedder Street and Queen’s Road Central, one of four junctions that traffic police will monitor using CCTV in a trial. Photo: May Tse

Hong Kong police to use video at 4 traffic junctions to fine errant motorists

A notice at the intersection of Pedder Street and Queen’s Road Central, one of four junctions that traffic police will monitor using CCTV in a trial starting on April 22. Photo: May Tse

A car stops at the intersection of Pedder Street and Queen’s Road Central – one of four junctions that will be monitored by traffic police with CCTV in a trial beginning April 22. Photo: May Tse

Superintendents Nip Hoi-kwan (left) and Mak Chung-kit at a press briefing on the police’s new surveillance measures at four traffic junctions. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Bus crash in Hong Kong’s North Point leads to major traffic congestion

Citybus service A11 was travelling along King’s Road near the recently closed Sunbeam Theatre when it lost control. Photo: Handout

Some passers-by help to pick up debris to allow other drivers to pass. Photo: Handout

Opinion

Comment

Police will trial video monitoring to tackle congestion and improve law enforcement at four well-known junctions. They were spoiled for choice


Police will trial video monitoring to tackle congestion and improve law enforcement at four well-known junctions. They were spoiled for choice.


Traffic and road safety in Hong Kong

Expresses the views, ideas and conclusions of the author. (Eg. Enough of Crazy Rich Asians, think of crazy poor Hongkongers.)


Column

Editorial

Editorial | Unseen eyes put focus on traffic black spots in Hong Kong

Police will trial video monitoring to tackle congestion and improve law enforcement at four well-known junctions. They were spoiled for choice