ZIM CITY

from Southside May 2021

PETS

Slow down

Paul Zimmerman on bringing 30km/h zones in the Southern District

The United Nations has designated the week between 17th and 23rd May 2021 as the 6th Global Road Safety Week. The theme this year is Streets for Life #Love30 (unroadsafetyweek.org) whereby 30 stands for 30 km/h speed limits.

This is timely. In Hong Kong we are catching up with many overseas cities who have done this already. The Transport Department is preparing a 30km/h trial in Sham Shui Po. This is expected to have little impact on traffic as prudent drivers already travel below 30km/h most of the time along these narrow streets. It will have a positive impact on reducing accidents with pedestrians and cyclists. Another benefit is that we can redesign the road and pavements with greater flexibility in a low speed environment, enhance the streetscape and 36 | SOUTHSIDE

make the district more pedestrian friendly.

The Community for Road Safety and others have studied the Southern District and identified five areas which could benefit from similar schemes: The inner areas of Aberdeen, Ap Lei Chau Main Street, Beach Road in Repulse Bay, a section of Chung Hom Kok Road and down-town Stanley. All five are popular with visitors walking along or crossing roads at different locations.

The core of Aberdeen consists of narrow but very popular shopping streets serving the district. With the arrival of the MTR, Ap Lei Chau Main Street is transforming into a dining destination. Repulse Bay is busy with beach goers. The picturesque section of Chung Hom Kok Road leading to Cheshire Home stands out as a narrow single lane track without a footpath but busy with hikers. There is little development and traffic is very light. And down-town Stanley is a waterfront village where narrow streets connect the beach, promenade and market.

The 30m/h limit would deter drivers from adopting inappropriate speeds with little regard for pedestrians. The impact on traffic will be minimal as the average vehicle speed is low most of the time. In short, lower limits will not cause any inconvenience or traffic congestion, but will discourage aggressive driving, thereby significantly reducing the risk of collisions with pedestrians and cyclists.

What do you think? Shall we push for 30km/h in these areas and should we include other areas? For more information visit