Secretary for Transport & Logistics Lam Sai-hung and members of the Legislative Council Panel on Transport visited Hangzhou today.

They first visited the Hangzhou City Brain Operation Command Center to learn about how the local government applies its “City Brain” system. This includes analysing real-time data to devise traffic enhancement proposals, such as adjustments to traffic signal timings that optimise road traffic speeds.

The delegation then toured the headquarters of a large vehicle manufacturer in Hangzhou to inspect the research, development and usage of new energy vehicles. This was followed by a meeting with the Hangzhou Transportation Bureau to discuss topics such as traffic management, new energy vehicles and green transport.

Mr Lam explained that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is taking forward measures under its smart mobility strategy, including the free-flow tolling service HKeToll, automated parking systems, and a $1 billion Smart Traffic Fund to provide funding support for organisations and enterprises to conduct research and develop applications of innovative vehicle-related technology.

These initiatives are aimed at improving the city’s commuter network and increasing public transport use, thereby alleviating road traffic congestion and reducing overall carbon emissions, he added.

The delegation also visited Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, where they received a briefing from the Airport Authority Hong Kong. It has participated in the operation and management of Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport since 2006 and holds a share in the project.

The delegation has completed its four-day visit to the Yangtze River Delta Region and was due to return to Hong Kong this afternoon.