Good results: Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Peter Yam says there were 7,158 traffic accidents in the first six months of the year, down 1.5%.

There were 7,158 traffic accidents in the first six months of the year, down 1.5% on the same period last year. Fatal accidents and deaths caused by accidents also fell 19.7% and 22.1%.

Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Peter Yam said the force will not slacken its efforts in ensuring road safety, despite a steady fall in accidents and fatalities.

In the first half of the year, 43 accidents with casualties were caused by drink driving, up by nine cases on the same period in 2005.

Smart driving campaign

The Smart Driving with Courtesy campaign will be launched to instil a more positive attitude among drivers.

Meanwhile, another drive will be held for the elderly and advice will be disseminated to them to raise their road safety awareness.

On crimes committed by Mainland visitors, Mr Yam said that in the first half of the year, out of the 6.62 million arrivals, 831 were arrested, down 211 on the same period last year. The main offences committed were theft, forgery and serious immigration offences.

Counter-terrorism measures

On the International Telecommunication Union Telecom World 2006 event to be held in December, Mr Yam said: "This is the first world-class telecom event to be held outside Geneva. It is estimated that 50,000 overseas and 10,000 local participants will be present at the event and attend the related forums.

"Police will maintain effective intelligence exchange with both the Mainland and overseas security and law enforcement agencies, timely intelligence and situation assessment to ensure that the force's level of coverage and operational readiness is commensurate with the prevailing threat level."