Police launch AI-powered traffic system to tackle congestion in San Po Kong

Hong Kong Police will launch a smart traffic management system in San Po Kong starting Friday (Aug 29), leveraging AI analysis to alleviate road congestion.

The AI system was developed by the police in collaboration with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), as noted by Wayne Sum Ching-fun, the force’s deputy district commander for Wong Tai Sin, during a radio program on Thursday.

The system analyzes driver habits, parking behaviors, and overall traffic patterns in the area. This data allows police to identify peak congestion hours and allocate personnel for targeted enforcement.

Sum pointed out that the area has seen an increase in new businesses, leading to a rise in both vehicle and pedestrian traffic, which has placed additional pressure on the transportation network.

She also stressed that the area's limited road design has led to an increase in goods loading and unloading by trucks, along with illegal parking during peak hours. These issues have resulted in conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles.

The traffic congestion also affects nearby major thoroughfares, including Choi Hung Road and Prince Edward Road East, she added.

Since the system's pilot launch in June, the number of traffic wardens and police officers required in the area has been reduced from an average of over 20 per day to just four.

On one of the busiest streets, Ng Fong Street, the additional travel time during peak hours has been reduced from an average delay of 94 seconds to 64 seconds.

Delays on major roads and pedestrian waiting times at crosswalks have also been reduced by approximately 25 percent and 20 percent, respectively.

In addition, the research team from HKUST stated that they will launch a real-time traffic monitoring system in collaboration with the police in the Kwun Tong district.