Safety first: Measures to boost highway safety will be ready in November.

A report on the proposed improvements to highway safety will be submitted to the Chief Executive in November.

Tuen Mun Road Traffic Incident Independent Expert Panel chairman Cheng Hon-kwan said today the panel has gauged views from the public and transport-related organisations.

The Transport Advisory Committee at its meeting today also voiced their opinions on improving driving behaviour, road engineering, parapet design, traffic management and enforcement action.

Dr Cheng, who is also the committee chairman, said all views will be taken into account when mapping out the improvement measures.

At the meeting, the committee was briefed on the proposed Central Business District traffic improvement schemes.

The Transport Department has, based on a review conducted in 2002-03, formulated a package of interim traffic improvement measures to cater for the anticipated traffic demand which will gradually build up in the district upon the phased completion of new developments in the area. 

Dr Cheng said the measures are important to ensure that traffic flows smoothly in the heart of Hong Kong's financial and business area. Mitigating measures will be taken to minimise the environmental impact of the proposed traffic schemes and the stakeholders concerned will be consulted.

The committee also learned the number of complaints and suggestions received by the Transport Complaints Unit in the second quarter this year dropped 12.1%. A total of 3,190 cases were received, compared with 3,629 in the previous quarter.

Most of the complaints were related to public transport services (65%), enforcement matters (18%) and traffic conditions (11%). All cases have been referred to the relevant authorities and Government departments for follow-up action.