REAL-TIME ADAPTIVE TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYSTEM

The Transport Department (TD) completed a pilot project of implementing Real-time Adaptive Traffic Signal System (RTATSS) at five selected independent junctions (i.e. Junctions of Victoria Road/Sandy Bay Road, King Cho Road/Lim Cho Street, Yen Chow Street/Cheung Sha Wan Road, Castle Peak Road/So Kwun Wat Road and Castle Peak Road/Ka Wo Li Hill Road) in 2021. By installing sensors at the signalised junctions to detect real-time traffic and pedestrian volume, the allocation of green time could be optimised, thereby reducing congestion and unnecessary delay. The results are satisfactory.

Drawing on previous experience, the RTATSS has more significant effects on independent signalised junctions with the following characteristics:

• vehicular and pedestrian flows in different directions are prone to more dynamic and irregular variations within a short period of time;
• junctions with sufficient capacity on the whole to allow flexible allocation of green time to the direction with heavier vehicular flow;
• vehicular flow in a certain direction is prone to dynamic variations and thus causes heavy traffic; and
• pedestrians, upon pressing the pushbutton at the pedestrian crossing, often leave the crossing before the pedestrian signal is on.

To facilitate smart traffic management and public commuting, TD is planning to implement the RTATSS at approximately 50 suitable independent signalised junctions across the territory in phases, starting in 2026.

On the other hand, TD rolled out another trial on the RTATSS at eight linked signalised junctions in Tung Chung Town Centre in mid-2022. The system was completed in mid-2024 and is currently operating smoothly. Data shows that after installing the RTATSS at the designated signalised junctions, the average delay for vehicles getting through the junction has decreased by approximately 5% to 10%, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency of the junctions. The system also earned the Certificate of Merit in the Smart Transport category at Hong Kong ICT Awards 2025. TD is arranging further trials on the RTATSS at other busier linked signalised junctions, and at the same time exploring the use of related technologies from other places, including the mainland, to assist in the formulation of a wider roll-out plan for extending the RTATSS to other suitable signalised junctions. Meanwhile, when engaging in the development of New Development Areas, TD will liaise with the Government departments responsible for the relevant projects to implement the RTATSS at suitable signalised junctions.


Vehicle Sensor


Pedestrian Sensor




Certificate of Merit in the Smart Transport category at Hong Kong ICT Awards 2025