Tunnel Safety Week to promote tunnel safety

Regular fire drills and vehicle recovery exercises will continue to be conducted to enhance staff training in handling fire and various types of incidents in vehicular tunnels over the territory, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Robert Footman, said today (June 28)

A fire drill in Cross Harbour Tunnel has been arranged in the early morning of July 5, 2002 to strengthen the capability of the tunnel staff in handling fire incidents inside tunnels. Fire drills in other tunnels are being conducted on a regular basis.

Speaking at the launching ceremony of a Tunnel Safety Week Campaign at the Airport Tunnel Administration Building, Kowloon Bay, Mr Footman said: "With some 700 000 vehicle trips made through the tunnels everyday, Transport Department will continue to work closely with the tunnel operators and relevant government departments, in particular the Fire Services Department and the Police to enhance staff training and introduce various safety measures to reduce accident rate inside tunnels."

The campaign was organized by the Transport Department with the support of tunnel operators to promote public awareness of tunnel safety and disseminating the safety rules to motorists when driving inside tunnels.

During the coming week, all tunnel operators will step up enforcement actions against tunnel offences, including speeding, crossing double white line and toll evasion as well as to conduct roadside check and issue warning to drivers of vehicles with insecure loads.

Furthermore, Road Safety Council safety messages will be broadcast via radio break-in system and pamphlets and stickers on safety guidelines in tunnels will be distributed via various channels, including toll booths, Transport Department Licensing Offices and vehicle examination centres and HK Automobile Association.

Mr Footman reminded motorists to comply with traffic rules and to observe the safety guidelines as follows:

	comply with the speed limit;
	keep a safe distance with the vehicle in front;
	turn on radio to listen to messages from the tunnel control room; and
	use dipped headlamps.

Also present at the launching ceremony were the Director of Fire Services, Mr. Hsu King-ping; and the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr. Roger Lai Sze-hoi, who presented certificates to the Best Vehicle Recovery Teams of the tunnels at the ceremony.

End/Friday, June 28, 2002