Government Launches Pilot Flood Monitoring System at High-Risk Road Sections to Prevent Vehicle Damage and Enhance Safety

Pilot Scheme on Wading Line System to cope with flooding at low-lying road sections (with photos/video)

In view of the increased chance of flooding at low-lying road sections caused by heavy rain under extreme weather, the Government will launch the Pilot Scheme on Wading Line System at five low-lying road sections with higher risk to monitor the flooding situation in real time, to facilitate effective mobilisation and collaboration of relevant government departments to tackle flooding as early as possible, and alert drivers of flooding on the road ahead, thereby reducing the possibility of vehicles stalling due to damage by flooding.

A Government spokesman said today (April 11) that the five pilot road sections are located at Chai Wan Road, Lung Cheung Road, Tsui Ping Road, Chatham Road North, and Nam Wan Road in Tai Po Market. During the severe rainstorms in September 2023, these locations experienced more serious flooding, causing damage to vehicles and rendering them inoperable.

Warning signs of the system will be placed at low-lying road sections, including a red wavy line and the words "Wading Line" painted on the road surface, with a water meter gauge placed next to it and a sign erected next to the carriageway. When the water level has reached or submerged the wading line, it indicates that the depth of the water at the lowest point of the road ahead has reached 0.3 metre or above.

In addition, the Drainage Services Department (DSD) will install water level sensors called Flood Monitoring Devices at the lowest point of the road sections to collect real-time water level data. When the devices detect that the water level on the road has reached the warning level, the monitoring system will immediately alert relevant government departments. The DSD and the Highways Department (HyD) will promptly deploy emergency response teams to inspect and clear blocked drains to reduce the risk of flooding. When the depth of the water has reached 0.3 metre, there will be temporary traffic guidance on-site to prevent vehicles from entering the flooded road sections. The Transport Department will disseminate information on traffic arrangements accordingly and the Police will assist at scene as necessary.

If vehicles have entered low-lying road sections before temporary traffic guidance is in place, drivers should stop their vehicles before reaching the wading line and avoid entering the flooded area. They should turn on hazard warning lights and follow the on-site directions to leave the temporarily closed road sections.

The Government will monitor the implementation of the pilot scheme, review its effectiveness in due course and optimise it as necessary.

To facilitate the progressive installation of warning signs of the system at the pilot road sections by the HyD, which will begin in late April, temporary traffic arrangements will be implemented in phases at the relevant road sections. The installation is expected to be completed in mid-May.

Pilot Scheme on Wading Line System to cope with flooding at low-lying road sections (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Pilot Scheme on Wading Line System to cope with flooding at low-lying road sections (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Pilot Scheme on Wading Line System to cope with flooding at low-lying road sections (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Commissioner of Police inspects passing-out parade of Police Cadet Training at HK Police College

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming, inspected the passing-out parade of the Police Cadet Training for 116 cadets at the Hong Kong Police College today (May 3), and witnessed their successful completion of a 22-week professional training.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Chow Yat-ming encouraged the cadets to uphold the core values of "Wisdom, Courage, Integrity, and Perseverance" and to embody the "Cadet Spirit" of the Police Cadet School. He recalled since the establishment of the Cadet School in 1973 until the completion of its historic mission in 1990, over 4 000 elites have been trained and most of them have joined the Force to serve the community.

Mr Chow mentioned the "Diploma of Applied Education - Police Cadet Training" Programme was launched in 2024. The Police Force collaborated with the Caritas Institute of Community Education, the Hong Kong College of Technology as well as the Hong Kong Institute of Technology to offer a programme equipping aspiring police recruits with comprehensive academic, physical, and psychological preparation.

Taught by experienced police officers, most of whom are Cadet School alumni, in the programme offered by the Police College, the curriculum features experiential learning and a "hell week" outdoor training, designed to strengthen cadets' mentality and values, serving as a good preparation for the cadets to proceed directly to a 27-week foundation training at the Police College after completing the diploma, passing medical and character assessments.

Mr Chow highlighted that colleagues graduating from the Cadet School are loyal to missions and never give up. He commended the cadets for demonstrating resilience and teamwork, perfectly establishing the exemplary image and spirit of "Cadets" during their training. He encouraged cadets to transform the resilience and confidence gained from training into motivation for future challenges, and to uphold the principle of "acting with integrity even when alone," always prioritise the public's interests and embody the Force's motto of "Serving Hong Kong with Honour, Duty and Loyalty."

He expressed gratitude to the former Deputy Principals of the Cadet School and over 60 "Cadet" alumni present at the passing-out parade, commending their contributions to the Force and to Hong Kong, while highlighting the enduring unity of the "Cadet" community.

Mr Chow further inspired the cadets with the phrase "Physical strength is finite, but willpower is limitless", encouraging them to remember their instructors' teachings, cherish their camaraderie and uphold the proud traditions of the "Cadets", while continue to contribute to Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.

Commissioner of Police inspects passing-out parade of Police Cadet Training at HK Police College Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Commissioner of Police inspects passing-out parade of Police Cadet Training at HK Police College Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Commissioner of Police inspects passing-out parade of Police Cadet Training at HK Police College Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Commissioner of Police inspects passing-out parade of Police Cadet Training at HK Police College Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases