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South China Morning Post
08-06-2025
- Automotive
- South China Morning Post
Spark Study Buddy (Explorer): Hong Kong to upgrade 13,000 traffic signals by 2027
Content provided by British Council [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 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
South China Morning Post
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong to replace 13,000 traffic signals by 2027 to help visually impaired
Hong Kong transport authorities plan to replace 13,000 electronic audible traffic signals across the city with new models featuring functions for the visually-impaired by the end of 2027. The Transport Department said on Tuesday that the renewal of pedestrian traffic lights, which began in April this year, would be implemented in phases across 2,000 junctions, costing HK$98 million (US$12.5 million). '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 and traffic control of the department. 'So we would like to replace the ageing signals and at the same time include some new functions which are more applicable to the users.' The renewal process will cost HK$98 million. Photo: Elson Li The existing devices have two functions: an audible sound that signals the crossing status and a tactile button underneath that vibrates to communicate the crossing status.
RTHK
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- RTHK
Visually impaired to walk to new beep at crossings
Visually impaired to walk to new beep at crossings The Transport Department says all electronic audible traffic signal units are expected to be replaced by late 2027. Photo: RTHK The Transport Department said on Tuesday it has started replacing all of Hong Kong's electronic audible traffic signal units since April to provide greater convenience for visually impaired persons. The department launched a pilot scheme in 2021, which saw new units put in place at more than 20 crossings across the city to test their performance. It said 13,000 replacements are needed due to most of the existing units having been in use for more than 20 years, which far exceeds their expected lifespan of 10 years. 'Some of the electronic audible traffic signal units' fault rates are on the rise, causing higher maintenance costs," the department's chief engineer, Gordon Kwok, said. "So we would like to replace them and at the same time include some new functions that are more adaptable to users.' Kwok said new features have been incorporated into the system, such as tactile maps to provide layout information on the crossing and voice messages that read out the names of the streets near the crossing in Cantonese, Putonghua and English. Karl Lee, who is visually impaired, said the messages allow him to easily gauge where he is, rather than having to memorise the streets and counting them off when walking. 'For example, if I'm walking up from Nam Cheong Street, I'll have to count off the streets I have crossed, including Yu Chau Street, Apliu Street, Cheung Sha Wan Road,' he said. 'Sometimes I might make mistakes, and I'll have to ask people where I am. "Having the new machines can help me easily find out which street I'm currently at.' Kwok said a total of 15,000 dedicated wireless devices will be distributed via the Society of the Blind to enable the visually impaired to use the remote control in them to increase the volume of the electronic audible traffic signal units when needed. The department has installed the new electronic audible traffic signal units at 27 crossings so far. All renewals are expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
