Spark Study Buddy (Explorer): Hong Kong to upgrade 13,000 traffic signals by 2027
[1] The transport authorities in Hong Kong plan to replace 13,000 electronic traffic signals that make audible sounds throughout the city. The new models will feature functions for the visually impaired by the end of 2027. The Transport Department said last month that the renewal of pedestrian traffic lights would be implemented in phases across 2,000 junctions. The exercise is expected to cost the department HK$98 million.
[2] 'The existing electronic audible traffic signals have been used for over 20 years, exceeding their normal lifespan. We have noticed that problems are rising and causing higher maintenance costs,' said Gordon Kwok Ka-chun, chief engineer of traffic control at the department. 'So we would like to replace the ageing signals and at the same time include some new functions that are more applicable to the users.'
[3] The existing devices have two main functions. One is an audible sound that indicates the crossing status. The other is a button underneath that vibrates to convey the crossing status. Karl Lee Kai-tak, a visually impaired Hongkonger, said the old system was not clear enough.
[4] 'When we listen to the sound, the most important thing is to hear where the sound source is,' said Lee, who requires a cane to walk. 'The sound was a bit scattered in the old system; it was difficult to hear the sound of the source. The new one can make us hear the sound more clearly. This is a big difference.'
[5] The new models have five new functions for the visually impaired. These features include a light at a lower height for individuals with poor vision, a tactile map on the side with crossing layout information, and voice messages that provide the names of the streets near the crossing. The messages will be in Cantonese, Mandarin and English.
[6] The voice messages are accompanied by a special nighttime volume adjustment function so that residents are not disturbed. People can use a new wireless device or the HKeMobility app to adjust the volume when they need to cross. The pedestrian push button installed in the traffic lights will also become touchless to reduce hygiene concerns, according to the department.
Source: South China Morning Post, May 20
Questions
1. How many junctions will have the new traffic signals installed, as stated in paragraph 1?
2. According to paragraph 3, Lee does not … well.
A. see
B. hear
C. walk
D. none of the above
3. Based on paragraph 5, the new traffic signals do not have …
A. voice messages in multiple languages.
B. tactile maps.
C. automatic traffic light changes.
D. lower height lights.
4. What is the purpose of the special nighttime volume adjustment function mentioned in paragraph 6?
5. People can now change the traffic signals' volume … a wireless device or the 'HKeMobility' app.
A. use
B. using
C. uses
D. usable
6. Circle the correct answer. (3 marks)
Lee says the new system will be much / most clearer because the sound will be least / less scattered and a lot / little easier to hear compared to the existing one.
The new features for the signals will include tactile maps and multilingual voice messages.Photo: Elson Li
Answers
1. 2,000
2. A
3. C
4. to decrease the volume of the voice messages in order not to disturb residents
5. B
6. much; less; a lot
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South China Morning Post
7 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
FAW, China's oldest carmaker, eyes 10% of Leapmotor to boost stake in EV surge
FAW Group , mainland China's oldest carmaker, plans to acquire a 10 per cent stake in Stellantis-backed electric vehicle (EV) maker Leapmotor , as the state-owned automotive giant looks to enhance its competitiveness in the segment, according to Cailian, a Shanghai-based financial news outlet. The investment would pave the way for the two companies to jointly develop new EV models, fine-tune supply-chain management and bolster overseas expansion, the report said. Leapmotor declined to comment, while FAW could not be immediately reached for comment on Wednesday. Two sources with knowledge of FAW and Leapmotor's thinking said the companies were putting the final touches on an investment agreement that would benefit both parties by controlling costs and boosting research and development. FAW's Hongqi cars are assembled in Changchun, capital of Jilin province. Photo: Xinhua The deal would make FAW China's first state-owned carmaker to own a stake in an EV start-up.
South China Morning Post
11 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
China's EV industry expands ‘going global' strategy, latest Tesla Model 3: 7 EV reads
We have put together stories from our coverage on electric and new energy vehicles from the past two weeks to help you stay informed. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing The electric vehicle (EV) industry, formerly one of China's most inward-focused industrial sectors, is now leading a push overseas, carrying the government's hopes of forging an offshore economic empire to sidestep cutthroat competition at home. A woman views a Tesla Model 3 during the third China International Supply Chain Expo at the China International Exhibition Centre, in Beijing on July 18. Photo: AP Photo Tesla has begun offering its longer-range Model 3 variant to Chinese customers as it fights to regain market share from local rivals amid intense competition in the country's premium EV segment. EV sales in mainland China hit a speed bump last month, sparking worries about the industry's growth momentum as more carmakers heed Beijing's call to hold back on discounts and focus on profitability.
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- South China Morning Post
Driverless shuttle bus hits tow tractor in second Hong Kong airport collision
A driverless shuttle bus hit an aircraft tow tractor inside a restricted zone at Hong Kong airport on Tuesday, marking the second collision involving the unmanned vehicles in two months. The accident, which did not result in any injuries, occurred around 3pm when the bus, which was not carrying any passengers, detected an obstruction and came to a stop. According to the Airport Authority, a duty officer mistakenly instructed the bus to resume its movements, resulting in a minor collision with the rear of a stationary tow tractor that had partially extended into the driving lane on the apron. Photos posted online by an individual showed the scene of the collision. A preliminary investigation found that the tow tractor was parked at a designated stand but its rear end protruded into the driving path. The bus's sensors identified the obstruction and halted to avoid crossing into the opposite lane. Following protocol, the vehicle issued an alert to the Integrated Airport Centre and manual intervention was required.
