'Red Light Projection References Schemes Elsewhere'

A top Transport Department official said on Thursday that authorities are learning from experience on the mainland and overseas as they launch a pilot scheme reminding pedestrians who have their eyes glued to their phones of the current traffic signal.

The department has kickstarted a six-month test drive by installing devices shining red light onto waiting areas at four pedestrian crossings to alert people that the "red man" signal is on and they should not cross the road.

The devices are being installed at intersections in Causeway Bay, Tsuen Wan, Sha Tin and Kowloon Tong.

Speaking on an RTHK programme, Chief Engineer Alex Au said the trial run, which references projects on the mainland, Austria and Croatia, will help prevent accidents.

"There's always a small portion of people who, for whatever reasons, have the urgency to look at their phones. The red light can help them be aware of the traffic and road situation. Of course, we hope pedestrians follow traffic lights when crossing the road," Au said.

Wan Chai District Council chairman Ivan Wong spoke about the scheme on the same radio programme.

"Sometimes, people crossing the road may get distracted by talking on the phone as well. Does it mean it's necessary to install a device so that people can't talk on the phone when they are crossing?" he questioned.

"It's possible that people eventually get used to the red light and become numb to the projection after a while. I think the best way to tackle this problem is through education and publicity. Many habits can be changed from that."

However, he said he believes that the pilot scheme will raise awareness about the dangers of crossing the road while using a mobile phone.