Transport Department to improve directional signing

The Transport Department (TD) will rationalise the strategic road network (SRN) route numbering system and introduce a logical exit numbering system on the network for motorists.

The improved systems are introduced in view of the recommendations from the "Comprehensive Review of Directional Signing in Hong Kong" commissioned by TD in August 2001. The study completed in end 2002 was to identify necessary improvements to the present directional signing.

The Senior Engineer of TD, Mr So King-kwong said in a press briefing today (July 25): "The study reveals that the standards in Hong Kong are in general in line with the overseas developed countries. However, the study also reviews that there are areas which necessitate improvement, including more directional guidance to access the SRN, eliminating inconsistent destination names and provision of adequate advance signing."

Mr So said TD would, based on the study's recommendations, rationalise the current route numbering system, which had been in force since 1974, and introduce a logical exit numbering system on the SRNs.

"TD has consulted the Transport Advisory Committee, academics, professional institutions, interest groups and the trades in March and April 2003 on the proposed rationalisation.

"The preferred option of route numbering system is a completely new system. It is developed on three north-south routes which include the cross harbour tunnels starting on Hong Kong Island and proceeding north, four east-west routes and one circular route circumscribing the New Territories," Mr So said.

He added that under the preferred option of the exit numbering system, the exit number began with "1" at the first exit from the starting point of a SRN and increases by 1 at each subsequent exit.

To further assist motorists to remember the SRN routes, TD will promote the concept of using a schematic SRN diagram and develop SRN line diagrams for each route.

"We would liaise with map publishers and other relevant organisations to incorporate the SRN routes and exit numbers into driving maps and guidebooks available in Hong Kong," he said.

More than 1 400 signs will have to be modified by patching the route numbers and exit numbers on these signs. TD estimates that the sign modification will be completed by early 2004. A publicity programme will be launched to promote the SRN routes and their exit numbers.

Moreover, Mr So said advance directional signs would be provided and destinations of local, district and regional levels would be separated into different panels to convey clearer messages to motorists.

"Directional signs using the revised design standards will be put on trial in Sha Tin District and a section of Tolo Highway from Sha Tin to Tai Po. The trial will commence soon and sign modification works will be completed by early 2004.

"The new design will be refined subject to public response. The guidelines on directional signing will then be revised and incorporated into the Transport Planning and Design Manual to serve as a basis for the design of directional signs for the whole territory," he said.

End/Friday, July 25, 2003