The Transport Department (TD) today (December 21) said that owing to the collaborative efforts of various departments, all traffic lights have resumed normal operation.

     Since June, about 740 sets of traffic lights in various districts have been damaged to varying degrees. Some traffic lights were repeatedly damaged and the ones in Yau Tsim Mong District were the most seriously affected. The damage in October and November has been more serious than in earlier months, with a number of controllers and components damaged. In cases where such facilities were burnt, underground cables would have to be replaced. With the co-ordination and joint efforts by relevant departments, the repair works of all the damaged traffic lights have been completed. The departments will continue to strengthen the protection measures of the traffic lights. 

     Traffic lights play an important role in the road network as they can effectively co-ordinate the traffic at junctions and ensure road safety. Pedestrian traffic lights can assist people in safely crossing the road. They are particularly essential for the elderly and people with disabilities. Traffic lights equipped with electronic audible traffic signals are important to the visually impaired as the signals help guide them across the street.

     For the safety of road users, the TD again appealed to the public to stop damaging traffic lights and other road facilities.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (December 21) that Tung Chung Swimming Pool in Islands District has been temporarily closed for cleaning and superchlorination following the discovery of a small amount of vomit in the pool.

     It will be reopened at 6pm today.

     The department appeals to swimmers to be considerate and to keep the swimming pools clean. They are advised not to swim after a full meal and should use the toilet facilities if necessary before swimming.

     A man who went missing in Kwun Tong has been located.

     Wong Tsun-wai, aged 24, went missing after he was last seen in Tak Tin Estate on October 25 afternoon. His family made a report to Police on October 29.   

     Police located the man in a park on Mody Road yesterday afternoon (December 20). He sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.

     Police advise motorists that special traffic arrangements will be implemented in Sha Tin to facilitate the race meeting today (December 21).

     The arrangements will come into effect two hours before the start of the first race and will last until the crowds have dispersed after the race meeting.

     Appropriate traffic signs will be put up and police will be on hand to guide motorists.
 
     The Police also appeal to people going to Sha Tin Racecourse for the race meeting and to Happy Valley Racecourse for cross betting to make maximum use of public transport.

     Parking spaces at the two racecourses are available only to holders of appropriate permits issued by Hong Kong Jockey Club and any vehicles illegally parked will be towed away.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     During the winter surge, the Hospital Authority is closely monitoring the service demand of Accident and Emergency Departments and the occupancy rates in public hospitals. Key service statistics are being issued daily for public information. Details are in the appended table.