Police to trial traffic enforcement cameras in Central

Hong Kong police will begin testing a new video recording traffic enforcement system using Transport Department cameras in four accident-prone areas in Central starting next Tuesday.

The pilot scheme aims to crack down on illegal parking and unauthorized pick-ups or drop-offs, which often cause severe congestion, said the police force.

The trial locations include:
- Queen’s Road Central / Ice House Street junction
- Pedder Street junction
- Bonham Strand East junction
- Queen’s Road East / Wong Nai Chung Road junction

Authorities will use existing CCTV cameras to capture traffic violations, record license plate numbers and timestamps, and issue fixed penalty notices after verifying driver identities.

Meanwhile, starting today, police will be distributing leaflets and putting up banners near the trial sites to warn drivers about the new enforcement measures. The three-month trial will be reviewed before potential expansion to other districts.

Police said the automated monitoring is expected to enhance deterrence and improve road safety.

While the system does not include facial recognition - meaning it cannot target jaywalking pedestrians - recorded footage may still be used as evidence if other crimes are caught on tape, the force added.

(Marco Lam)