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The Transport Complaints Unit (TCU) of the Transport Advisory Committee received 6,445 complaints and suggestions in the third quarter of 2012. Of these, 119 were pure suggestions. The total number of cases represents an increase of 19.3 per cent as compared with 5,403 cases in the previous quarter and an increase of 22.7 per cent when compared with 5,251 cases in the same quarter of 2011.
The complaints and suggestions received during the quarter were mostly related to public transport services (90 per cent), enforcement matters (6 per cent) and traffic conditions (2 per cent).
The number of cases on public transport services increased by 19.7 per cent from 4,865 in the previous quarter to 5,821 in this quarter. Complaints and suggestions on traffic conditions increased from 121 in the last quarter to 168 in this quarter. Cases about road maintenance decreased slightly from 49 in the last quarter to 48 in this quarter. The number of complaints about illegal parking and other enforcement matters increased from 335 to 375.
All the complaints and suggestions received by the TCU in the quarter were referred to the relevant government departments and public transport operators for follow-up action.
During the period under review, investigations into 4,689 cases were completed. Of these, 3,104 cases (66 per cent) were found to be substantiated, 228 cases (5 per cent) were unsubstantiated, and the remaining 1 357 cases (29 per cent) were not pursued due to lack of information.
For the substantiated cases, the relevant government departments and public transport operators have either taken steps to rectify the situation or are considering possible solutions to the problems identified.
During the quarter, the relevant government departments and public transport operators took on board 21 suggestions made by the public to enhance public transport services and improve traffic conditions. A summary of the cases where public suggestions have helped bring about improvements is at the Appendix.
Members of the public may make their suggestions or complaints to the TCU by dialling the hotline 2889 9999 (voice mail service outside office hours), by fax to 2577 1858, by e-mail to info@tcu.gov.hk or by filling in a complaint form downloaded from the TCU website (www.info.gov.hk/tcu).
Appendix
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Public suggestions taken on board by relevant government departments/public transport operators
(July - September 2012)
I. Public Transport Services
* Replace a taxi pick up/drop-off point by a taxi stand at How Ming Street to facilitate the orderly queuing of taxis.
II. Traffic Management
Hong Kong Island
* Shorten the waiting time for pedestrian green phase of a traffic light at Caine Road to facilitate pedestrians crossing the road.
* Increase the vehicular green time of traffic lights at Johnston Road and Wan Chai Road to improve traffic flow.
* Modify the mode of operation of traffic lights at the junction of Sing Woo Road and King Kwong Street to facilitate pedestrians crossing the road.
* Add a "No Right Turn" traffic sign at Pok Fu Lam Road to remind motorists.
* Add traffic signs at Tai Hang Road to alert motorists to watch out for pedestrians.
* Add a "Keep Clear" road marking at Kennedy Road to prevent vehicle obstruction.
* Modify road markings and traffic signs at Nam Fung Road and Nam Fung Path to improve road safety.
* Widen the pavement at Matheson Street to improve road safety.
Kowloon
* Modify the mode of operation of traffic lights at the junction of Lai Chi Kok Road and Maple Street to improve road safety.
* Extend the effective hours of "No Stopping Restriction" at Wai Yip Street to improve road safety.
* Add road markings at Cha Kwo Ling Road to alleviate traffic congestion.
* Add road markings at the junction of Tak Shing Street and Tak Hing Street to enhance road safety.
* Reduce the size of a safety island at the junction of Lei Yu Mun Road and Tseung Kwan O Road to facilitate vehicle passage.
* Add parking spaces for motorcycles at Hing Wah Street to facilitate parking of motorcycles.
* Delete a parking space and provide a loading/unloading bay at King Fuk Street to improve the sight-line of motorists and facilitate public loading and unloading activities.
New Territories
* Increase the vehicular green time of traffic lights at Wu Shan Road and Sha Tau Kok Road-Lung Yeuk Tau to alleviate traffic congestion.
* Modify the setting of a traffic light at the junction of Pak Wo Road and So Kwun Po Road to alleviate traffic congestion.
* Install railings at Castle Peak Road-Tsing Lung Tau to prevent jaywalking.
* Add dropped kerbs at Tai Po Tau Road to provide a convenient crossing for pedestrians.
Ends/Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:01
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