​The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, today (August 24) visited the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited (ASTRI) at the Hong Kong Science Park (HKSP) to learn about the latest progress of road testing of the Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technology in Hong Kong as well as how C-V2X facilitates the development of autonomous driving technology in enhancing road safety and traffic efficiency.
      
     Mr Lam, accompanied by the Commissioner for Transport, Miss Rosanna Law, was first briefed by ASTRI representatives on their research progress and achievements of C-V2X technology since 2016. They then took a ride on a vehicle equipped with C-V2X technology along a carriageway near the HKSP to better understand the application and demonstration of C-V2X technology.
      
     ASTRI conducted a C-V2X road trial on a 14-kilometre-long carriageway between the HKSP and Sha Tin town centre from March to December last year, with a view to carrying out research into and testing the required networks and infrastructure of C-V2X technology on roads in Hong Kong. ASTRI has just obtained funding from the Smart Traffic Fund of the Government to explore advanced C-V2X applications to enhance Hong Kong's mobility competence and road safety.
      
     C-V2X refers to the communication system between vehicles and vehicles, vehicles and pedestrians, vehicles and road infrastructure, and vehicles and networks. Through the real-time information transmission in the Internet of Vehicles system, appropriate reports and warnings are instantly conveyed to road users so as to improve road safety and assist driving.
      
     After learning about the C-V2X technology, Mr Lam also took a ride on an autonomous vehicle (AV) at the HKSP to experience a drive using an autonomous driving system under certain conditions and environments, as well as the convenience brought about by high driving automation.
      
     "The Government strives to build Hong Kong into a world-class smart city. On smart mobility, in addition to promoting the development of C-V2X technology, we have been committed to facilitating trials of AVs at suitable locations in Hong Kong as well as the development and application of AV technology in recent years. The Transport and Logistics Bureau and the Transport Department (TD) are drawing up a regulatory framework and undergoing legislative work for AVs and will introduce the bill into the Legislative Council within this year at the earliest. We will continue to play the roles of facilitator and promoter and to actively push forward the development and application of AVs in Hong Kong," Mr Lam said.
      
     On the same day, Mr Lam received a briefing from TD representatives on the pilot trial on the use of electric mobility devices (EMDs) jointly held with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation. The pilot trial, being held from May to November this year, aims to gather more data on the use of EMDs for short-distance commuting.
      
     Mr Lam also took the opportunity to tour the "Journey Smart" roving exhibition being held by the TD at the HKSP. The exhibition showcases the department's smart mobility initiatives, including the "HKeMobility" mobile application, the free-flow tolling system, automated parking systems, the real-time adaptive traffic signal system and other innovative technological solutions. The roving exhibition has been held since July 23, and details can be found at the department's website.

Ends/Wednesday, August 24, 2022
Issued at HKT 17:45

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