Increased penalties see reduction of traffic accidents and prosecutions

A Transport Department spokesman said that since the increase in the penalties for failing to comply with traffic signals on January 1, 2006, the numbers of traffic accidents and prosecutions involving red light jumping have been noticeably reduced.

     In the first eight months in 2006, the average number of traffic accidents involving drivers disobeying traffic signals was 20 cases per month, or 1.6% of the total number of traffic accidents, representing about 30% reduction compared with 28 cases per month, or 2.2% of the total number of traffic accidents in 2005.

     The increase in penalties and stepping up of enforcement action has increased the deterrent effect against red light jumping. The average number of prosecutions against red light jumping has reduced by about 25% from 3,479 per month in 2005 to 2,638 per month in 2006. Despite the increase in the number of red light cameras, the average number of prosecutions against red light jumping by using cameras specifically was 2,113 per month, representing a reduction of over 20% compared with 2,729 per month in 2005.  

     The spokesman said that with effect from January 1, the penalties for failing to comply with traffic signals have increased from 3 to 5 driving offence points, and the fixed-penalty fine has increased from $450 to $600.

Ends/Monday, October 2, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:00