Police hit roads in traffic crackdown

A citywide crackdown on traffic violations was launched yesterday, with police officers being seen in significant numbers in Wan Chai and Kwun Tong.

The operation is aimed at offenses such as careless driving, failure to yield to pedestrians on zebra crossings, speeding and using handheld mobile phones while driving.

Aimed at preventing traffic accidents, police units were deployed in strength on Kwun Tong Road and Hoi Yuen Road, with the Kwun Tong roundabout near apm mall being one of the operational focus.

Officers were also stationed near traffic lights in Central, issuing tickets to pedestrians who failed to comply with the traffic light signals while crossing the road.

According to the Road Traffic Regulations, pedestrians crossing a road without regard for traffic light signals may be fined HK$2,000.

This strict enforcement of traffic laws has been welcomed by those who believe it will contribute to the safety of both drivers and pedestrians.

One driver, Ho, said he personally refrains from running red lights due to the severe punishment but had seen other vehicles disregarding traffic rules and endangering pedestrians in Mong Kok.

He said it was important for police to strengthen enforcement against illegal driving to ensure pedestrian safety.

Another, Lai, voiced her support for police efforts to target traffic law violations.

There were 98 fatal traffic accidents last year, a 10 percent increase over 2022.

Pedestrians accounted for 62 of these accidents. Trucks were involved in the highest percentage of accidents at 27 percent, followed by taxis and mini-buses. Also, over 20 percent of the 1,009 cases of fatal and serious traffic accidents reported last year were caused by inattentive driving.