TD renews electronic audible traffic signals at crossings to provide convenience for visually impaired persons and public at large
The Transport Department (TD) today (May 20) announced the territory-wide gradual renewal of electronic audible traffic signals (eATS) at signalised crossings. People-oriented new features have been incorporated to provide convenience for visually impaired persons and other members of the public.
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TD renews electronic audible traffic signals at crossings to provide convenience for visually impaired persons and public at large Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
TD renews electronic audible traffic signals at crossings to provide convenience for visually impaired persons and public at large Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
TD renews electronic audible traffic signals at crossings to provide convenience for visually impaired persons and public at large Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
TD renews electronic audible traffic signals at crossings to provide convenience for visually impaired persons and public at large Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
TD renews electronic audible traffic signals at crossings to provide convenience for visually impaired persons and public at large Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
TD renews electronic audible traffic signals at crossings to provide convenience for visually impaired persons and public at large Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
TD renews electronic audible traffic signals at crossings to provide convenience for visually impaired persons and public at large Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The original eATS indicate the status of the pedestrian traffic signal to visually impaired persons by emitting sound and vibration signals so that they can cross the road safely according to the sound signal. At some crossings with higher vehicle flows and lower pedestrian traffic, the eATS are equipped with a pedestrian push-button function. The green pedestrian signal will only be activated after it is pressed, allowing more vehicles to pass through the junction. Apart from retaining these existing functions, five new features have been introduced into the new-generation eATS (see Annex for details) to better meet users' needs:
A light illumination unit is installed at the top of the new eATS, making it easier for persons with amblyopia to locate the pedestrian crossing;
A tactile map is provided on its side, providing the layout information of the crossing for visually impaired persons;
A voice message of the crossing's location is added. By pressing the activation button at the bottom, the device will read out the name of streets near the crossing in Cantonese, Putonghua and English to inform users of their location;
A touchless pedestrian push button sensor is provided, reducing users' hygiene concerns; and
Featuring a new night-time operation mode, when there are no visually impaired persons seeking to cross the road at night, its operating volume will be lower than the existing level, thereby reducing its impact on neighbouring residents. Visually impaired persons can use the remote control function of a newly designed dedicated wireless device or the TD's "HKeMobility" mobile appto temporarily increase its volume when they need to cross the road to ensure safety. The TD will distribute about 15000 one-off dedicated wireless devices free of charge to visually impaired persons for their use through a relevant organisation in the third quarter of 2025 to launch this new function.
A spokesman for the TD said, "We have consulted the Subcommittee on Access under the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee and the Legislative Council Panel on Transport, and have been maintaining good communication with representatives of visually impaired groups to optimise the functions and settings of the new eATS. The operation of the new eATS under the pilot project earlier has been smooth, and we are pleased to note the overall satisfaction of visually impaired groups with various new features which better cater for and strike a fine balance between the needs of the users and the public at large. This is conducive to upgrading the road safety experience in Hong Kong as we aspire to be barrier-free city."
The spokesman added that most of the existing eATS have been in operation for over two decades, exceeding their normal lifespan. Their fault rate has also been gradually increasing, necessitating a large-scale replacement. The TD commenced replacement of a total of some 13000 eATS at about 2000 junctions across the territory from April 2025 in phases, and is expected to complete the replacement by end-2027.
TD renews electronic audible traffic signals at crossings to provide convenience for visually impaired persons and public at large Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
TD renews electronic audible traffic signals at crossings to provide convenience for visually impaired persons and public at large Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
TD renews electronic audible traffic signals at crossings to provide convenience for visually impaired persons and public at large Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
TD renews electronic audible traffic signals at crossings to provide convenience for visually impaired persons and public at large Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
TD renews electronic audible traffic signals at crossings to provide convenience for visually impaired persons and public at large Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
TD renews electronic audible traffic signals at crossings to provide convenience for visually impaired persons and public at large Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
TD renews electronic audible traffic signals at crossings to provide convenience for visually impaired persons and public at large Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Update on chikungunya fever
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced that as of 5pm today (December 28), the CHP has recorded one new imported case of chikungunya fever (CF).
Latest case information
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The case involves a 35-year-old female living in Kwai Tsing District. A preliminary investigation revealed that she joined a package tour to Zhaoqing in Guangdong Province with family members from December 20 to 21, and had suffered mosquito bites in rural areas there. She developed joint pain on December 25, followed by rash on the following day, and a fever yesterday (December 27). She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Princess Margaret Hospital on the same day and was admitted for treatment in a mosquito-free environment. She is now in stable condition. Her blood sample tested positive for the chikungunya virus upon laboratory testing.
The patient has three household contacts, who joined the same package tour to Zhaoqing. They are currently asymptomatic and under medical surveillance.The CHP will proactively contact the remaining 39 individuals who joined the same package tour, and provide health advice and medical surveillance to them.
An epidemiological investigation showed that her residenceand usual activity areas do not overlap with those among imported or local cases recorded inthe pastmonth.She did not visit the Tsing Yi Nature Trails during the incubation period either. As the patient visited Guangdong Province during the incubation period, and no epidemiological linkages have been established between thecase and other cases recorded in Hong Kongin the past month, the CHP considered that the case was infected duringhertravel. The caseisclassified as imported. The CHPwillreport the cases to the health authority of Guangdong Province.
Hong Kong has recorded a total of 82 confirmed CF cases this year. Among them, 11 were local cases, and the rest were imported cases.
Government's comprehensive follow-up actions
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Given that some local cases of CF have visited the Tsing Yi Nature Trails or the surrounding area in November, the trails are currently closed until further notice. Relevant government departments continue to conduct large-scale mosquito control and prevention efforts along the trails, the CHP appeals to the public not to enter the area in order to reduce the risk of contracting CF and to avoid exposure to chemicals or interfering with the mosquito control operations. Since the confirmation on December 10 of a case involving a person who had visited the Tsing Yi Nature Trails on November 30, no further local cases have been recorded to date. The CHP continues to urge individuals who have recently hiked along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails to seek medical attention as soon as possible if they develop relevant symptoms and to call the enquiry hotline (Tel: 2125 2373), which operates from 9am to 6pm.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has been continuously conducting intensive fogging operations to eliminate adult mosquitoes along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails and the surrounding area. At suitable locations, large ultra-low volume foggers have been deployed, and a robot dog is being put on trial to enhance operational effectiveness. The FEHD has also set up new mosquito trapping devices, cleared discarded containers and garbage that could cause stagnant water, and applied larvicide oil or larvicides in areas with stagnant water that cannot be removed immediately. The FEHD has been collaborating with the Kwai Tsing District Office, the Lands Department and the Drainage Services Department to strengthen efforts in eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails. Pamphlets have been distributed to hikers in the area, urging citizens to be vigilant against mosquito infestations and take personal protective measures. The FEHD also held meetings of the interdepartmental task forces on anti-mosquito work across districts, to discuss the latest developments regarding the situation and plan accordingly to co-ordinate relevant departments and stakeholders in strengthening mosquito prevention and control measures in areas under their purview.
Continuously strengthening prevention and control
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The FEHD and relevant departments have comprehensively enhanced the mosquito control operations in Hong Kong since July this year, and this has continued. Among these, the FEHD has conducted vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations against the imported and local cases. In light of the local case, the FEHD has immediately conducted follow-up actions, including:
carrying out intensive fogging in scrubby areas within a 250-metre radius of the relevant locations to kill adult mosquitoes;
carrying out inspections of the locations, removing stagnant water, applying insecticides and disposing of abandoned water containers every week with a view to preventing mosquito breeding; and
enhancing public education efforts through organising health talks, setting up mobile education stations, and distributing publicity leaflets.
The abovementioned measures will be continued. Furthermore, the Government will further enhance the mosquito control efforts in addition to the existing measures.
Preventive measures taken by the public
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Members of the public should use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients properly to prevent mosquito bites, but the following precautions should be taken when using them:
read the label instructions carefully first;
apply right before entering an area with a risk of mosquito bites;
apply on exposed skin and clothing;
use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children (For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent);
apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent;
reapply only when needed and follow the instructions; and
in addition to DEET, there are other insect repellents available on the market containing different active ingredients, such as IR3535 and picaridin. When using any insect repellent, the public should follow the usage instructions and precautions on the product label.
The FEHD also appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as empty cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and property management agencies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems, and may visit the following pages for more information: the CF page of theCHPand theTravel Health Service, the latestTravel Health News,tips for using insect repellents, and the CHPFacebook Page,Instagram AccountandYouTube Channel, and also theMosquito Prevention and Control dedicated pageof the FEHD.
Source: AI-found images
