Trial of Smart Motorway Pilot Scheme to be launched at Ting Kau Bridge southbound from 0.00am on December 29 (with video)
The Transport Department (TD) today (December 20) announced that the trial of the Smart Motorway Pilot Scheme will be launched at the road section of Ting Kau Bridge southbound (Tsing Yi bound) from 0.00am on December 29 (Sunday).
All necessary works, including the installation of additional lane control signals and variable message signs as well as the full introduction of the Automatic Incident Detection System, have been completed at the above entire road section. With the application of artificial intelligence technologies, the System can detect traffic incidents, stationary vehicles or other road abnormalities more efficiently, and swiftly notify operation staff of the Tsing Ma Control Area for follow-up, thereby substantially raising both the efficiency of handling and the capability to respond to incidents.
In case of traffic incidents, on-site staff may instruct the opening of the hard shoulder of Ting Kau Bridge southbound to ease traffic flow under suitable circumstances. In addition, the lane control signals and variable message signs on the spot will guide the following vehicles to pass in an orderly manner, relieving possible traffic obstruction arising from the incidents.
A spokesman for the TD said, "The Smart Motorway Pilot Scheme aims to cover and monitor all parts of the road section round the clock for quick detection and flexibility in response to traffic incidents. A number of additional variable message signs have been installed along the entire road section to provide more targeted real-time information for motorists. During the Pilot Scheme, drivers are urged to take heed of lane control signals and speed limits for traffic safety at all times and follow on-site staff's instructions at times of traffic incidents."
In the one-month trial of the Pilot Scheme, the TD will closely review the detailed operations of systems and technologies concerned and suitably adjust the Pilot Scheme with regard to actual needs. If it is smoothly held, the TD will continuously monitor the Pilot Scheme and conduct a mid-term review of its effectiveness in about six months. Traffic data collected under the Pilot Scheme will also be conducive to the Government's formulation of the implementation strategy of smart motorways in future.
Motorists may refer to the Pilot Scheme's leaflet and video (see attached) for details.
Speech by CE at Wah Yan College, Kowloon Centenary Gala Dinner (with video)
Following is the video speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Wah Yan College, Kowloon Centenary Gala Dinner today (December 20):
Cardinal Stephen Chow (Catholic Bishop of Hong Kong), Father Stephen Tong (Provincial of the Chinese Province of the Society of Jesus), Dr So Ying-lun (Supervisor of Wah Yan College, Kowloon), Ms Cecilia Chow (Principal of Wah Yan College, Kowloon), teachers and staff of Wah Yan College, Kowloon, fellow Wahyanites, young and old, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. I am very delighted to share the joy, with all of you, of the centenary of our alma mater. To all of us Wahyanites, Wah Yan College, Kowloon is way more than just a school. It is where students grow, and thrive, in a nurturing and caring environment. I would like to take this opportunity to wish Wah Yan College, Kowloon a very Happy Birthday.
Founded in 1924, Wah Yan College, Kowloon has stood tall in Hong Kong's education sector for a century, dedicated to bringing out the unique talent and goodness in every student, with a diverse variety of learning experiences. The College nurtures not only students' knowledge, but also their pursuit of the four values of human excellence: competence, commitment, conscience and compassion.
Over the past century of history, Wah Yan, Kowloon has been upholding the philosophy of "Men for and with others". What defines Wahyanites is not their academic capability, or their athletic might - well, although we are very good at both. What defines Wahyanites is their great humility in serving others, and in giving back to society with their excellence in academic, athletic, or other noble pursuits.
Although I have left the beautiful campus of Wah Yan, Kowloon, at 56 Waterloo Road, almost half a century ago, I have always taken pride in being a Wahyanite. I am eternally grateful to the guidance of Father Deignan and all my teachers, as well as the spirit of magis, of the betterment of the self and our pursuits. It has enabled me to brave the challenges that come our way, and remain committed to serving the community, throughout different stages of my career.
Wah Yan, Kowloon gives students the freedom to pursue their developments. I still recall, with relish, the many activities I took part in and outside of the classroom. I learnt to strike a balance between conflicting priorities, and better my decision-making skills. What I have learnt in Wah Yan, Kowloon has been invaluable in my public service, and in my daily work as Chief Executive.
My alma mater has indeed bestowed upon me many lifelong gifts. But what I cherished the most is the excellent tradition among Wahyanites - Wahyanites' fraternity and sense of cohesion. Wahyanites, speaking as both your fellow and as the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, I wish to appeal to all of you to treasure unity and collaboration, for they are essential to creating a better future for Hong Kong, our home. Let's all spread the Wahyanesque spirit of care and selflessness, and bring a positive impact to society.
I would like to end with my favourite line from our school hymn - "To champion, though so lowly, Nor ever fail nor pause, When trials throng and press". Wahyanites, whatever challenges that may come your way, know that you are "men for and with others". Know that you can always be the best of yourself.
On that note, I wish Wah Yan, Kowloon another century of success. I wish you all the best of health. Thank you very much.
