Snarl snap: Snapshots and live webcasts of traffic conditions on major roads are available here.

Talks with mobile network operators on the charging mechanism for disseminating closed-circuit television traffic images to their subscribers are underway, Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao says.

She told lawmakers today that the Transport Department is studying the feasibility of disseminating its CCTV traffic images. However, the Government and the operators have not yet reached an agreement on the charging mechanism.

The department has offered to provide CCTV images on a cost-recovery basis if they do not charge their subscribers additional fees. However, if they charge subscribers and generate additional revenue, they will be required to share it with the Government.

Reasonable share

Dr Liao said: "From the public finance point of view, this proposal would ensure the Government can have a reasonable share of the benefits arising from the commercial use of Government information. We are awaiting replies from the mobile network operators and hope to reach a consensus with the interested ones as soon as possible."

On the idea to deliver emergency traffic information through short messaging services, Dr Liao said this is still being examined. Currently, emails are used to disseminate special traffic news to 130 organisations that have 500 or more employees.

She said the Government aims to reduce delays and ease traffic congestion by putting out timely traffic information effectively and widely through different channels, so road users can make informed choices of routes and transport modes.