Green light for diagonal crossing

Hongkongers can cross an intersection diagonally for the first time in Sha Tin yesterday, as pedestrians welcomed the time-saving change.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung wrote in his blog Saturday that the new crossing facilities, including yellow stripes on the roads and pedestrian traffic lights, would allow pedestrians to walk a shorter distance and save time.

At around 8am yesterday morning, the Highways Department's engineering vehicles were spotted parking by the roadside at the junction of Sha Kok Street and Yat Tai Street, with workers disbanding the traffic lights in preparation for the installation.

Although yellow stripes had yet to be painted on the road, many pedestrians were already crossing diagonally, and traffic police were also on site to inspect traffic flow.

At about 12pm, all traffic lights at the junction were suspended for adjustments, and pedestrians and drivers had to follow instructions from traffic police and highway officers.

The junction was reopened with retrofitted traffic signals and diagonal yellow stripes by 1.25pm, allowing pedestrians to walk directly to a diagonal corner.

Relevant adjustments were made, as diagonal crossings require longer pedestrian green signals than traditional crossings. That would allow people more time to cross the junction safely because walking distances are longer, according to the Transport Department.

A pedestrian surnamed Ng welcomed the new arrangement, saying: "We do not need to wait for so many signal lights, which take several minutes. It is much more convenient to let the people cross diagonally."

Another pedestrian surnamed Wong said it is much more convenient especially for the elderly.

Sha Tin District Councillor Guo Xuantong said nearby residents would welcome it if improvements are made, such as on sidewalk curbs that help wheelchair users.

The administration is also considering a second diagonal pedestrian crossing that is expected to be launched at the intersection between Carnarvon Road and Granville Road in Tsim Sha Tsui in the middle of the year.

The department said the two crossings were selected after reviewing the need for pedestrians to cross the road diagonally while also considering the traffic and pedestrian flows as well as the necessary signal equipment required for setting up diagonal crossings.

"Characteristics of individual junctions, including traffic and pedestrian flows, the crossing distance and the time required, need to be carefully examined to ensure that adequate vehicular capacity can still be maintained after the provision of diagonal crossings to avoid causing a serious impact on the overall traffic as the traffic flow at junctions in Hong Kong is relatively heavy."

The department said it would closely monitor and assess the use of the diagonal crossing junctions by pedestrians and motorists.

A performance review will help them in drawing up future plans.

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com