Overhanging traffic lights at 10 junctions have been installed, and those at another 16 locations will be completed in mid-2006, Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao says.

She told lawmakers today the remaining 14 locations will be installed next year.

Meanwhile, the installation of vehicular-countdown, or flashing-green, devices at traffic lights requires careful examination.

"We have obtained from the Shenzhen government a set of flashing green devices for our examination. The device is technically not compatible with the traffic signal control system in Hong Kong," Dr Liao said.

"According to studies conducted in the US, Israel, Austria and the UK, different responses of drivers to these types of devices will increase the risk of collisions," she said, adding the bureau will research the issue.