Transport Department statement on investigation at Ching Cheung Road

In response to media enquiries on the investigation conducted by the Transport Department (TD) at Tai Po Road/Ching Cheung Road where a traffic accident happened on August 17, 2004, a TD spokesman said that as the cause of the accident was still being investigated by the Police, the aim of the department's investigation was to identify any measures to improve the road environment from a road safety angle.

"The investigation jointly conducted by TD and Highways Department revealed that the design of the road, signage, and road markings at the vicinity were generally in order," the spokesman said.

"The road bend where the accident occurred is a right hand bend of about 130 degrees. There is anti-skid surfacing which is in good condition. The speed limit is 50 kmh. Parapets at the bend are P1 concrete type parapets with metal top railings, with an extended height of 1.25m.

"During the past three years (July 1, 2001 - June 30, 2004), no accidents occurred at the road bend. There were only two slight traffic accidents both involving a head-to-tail collision on the straight section of the flyover on Ching Cheung Road.

"The location is not an accident blacksite and there are adequate warning signs. However, the investigation identified the following measures to give further warning to drivers on this section of Tai Po Road southbound:

At the bend:

	To trim the over grown foliage on the nearside and offside of Tai Po Road southbound.
	To enlarge the pair of existing "Bend Right & Reduce Speed Now" (TS591) signs immediately before the bend.
	To combine one of the "Bend Right & Reduce Speed Now" signs with the directional sign at the nosing, and to simplify the directional sign, so as to make these signs more conspicuous.

At 50m and 100m from the bend:

	To paint two sets of additional "SLOW" markings with red background on the road surface.
	To replace the existing destination markings on the road surface with a new directional sign, so as to make the "SLOW" markings stand out.

At 250m from the bend:

To erect a "Bend Right on the Right Side Exit" and a "Reduce Speed Now" sign on the footbridge over Tai Po Road.

At 300m and 350m from the bend:

To paint two sets of "SLOW" markings.

"Upon more detailed study and consultation, TD is considering to recommend planting shrubs to replace trees on the slope adjacent to the bend, so as to provide drivers with a full view of the whole bend.

"In parallel, Highways Department will increase the height of the parapet from 1.25m to 1.5m and strengthen the parapet by replacing the steel posts and top rails with new and stronger ones. Highways Department is now carrying out detailed design on the parapet strengthening works.

"TD conducted a site visit with some members of the Sham Shui Po District Council on August 26. There were additional measures suggested by members and the department will study them in detail.

"Some Sham Shui Po District Council members indicated it would not be desirable to route container vehicles through the urban areas of Sham Shui Po. The department agreed that this was an important factor to be considered and it will continue to consult the trade and Sham Shui Po District Council on this issue."

Ends/Tuesday, August 31, 2004