There will be 96 cameras at 131 housings by the end of 2006 to deter red light jumping, with the proportion of "electronic prosecution" of all red light jumping prosecutions going up to 97%, Deputy Commissioner for Transport Lau Ka-keung says.

Speaking on radio talk shows today, Mr Lau noted the penalties for red light jumping will be raised from January 1 next year. The penalty will go up from $450 to $600 while driving-offence points to be deducted will rise from three to five.

He stressed the move is necessary to ensure road users' safety, as an average of 100 red light jumping offenders caught and two casualties each day.

Mr Lau said apart from increasing penalties, public education will be stepped up. An additional 68 red light cameras and 20 housings will be put in place by the end of 2006, so the proportion of "electronic prosecution" will climb from 80% of all red light jumping prosecutions to 97%.

On the trade's suggestion to install vehicular countdown devices or flashing green systems, Mr Lau noted overseas studies and trials found that such devices would significantly increase the risk of rear-end collisions because drivers react differently to such devices.

He stressed the Government is aware of the trade's concern, adding meetings will be held quarterly to exchange views. In response to their request, overhead traffic lights will be installed at 40 wider junctions to improve the visibility of traffic signals.

Emergency transport co-ordination improving 

On emergency transport arrangements, Mr Lau said measures are being taken to improve co-ordination and content of traffic bulletins.

Task Force on Emergency Transport Co-ordination Chairman Teresa Cheng said refining the existing crisis management arrangements, enhancing communication among departments, harnessing advanced technologies for better traffic management and timely release of traffic information will help better handling of emergency transport incidents.

She noted in the long run, the possibility of using Global Positioning Systems in traffic management should be explored.