Programme title and organizer:

Smart Mobility Series (3): Smart Devices at Signalized Pedestrian Crossings for the Elderly

Organised by Logistics & Transportation Division

Date, Time and Venue:

13 March, 2018 (Tue), 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the HKIE HQ 9F – Chan Yat Mei Sophie Room

Speaker(s):

Ir C H Wong                Chief Engineer/Traffic Control

                                        Transport Department, Government of HKSAR

Ir Alan Tam                   Senior Engineer/Project 2, Traffic Control Division

                     Transport Department, Government of HKSAR

Programme highlight:

According to the Census and Statistics Department’s 2016 population by-census, Hong Kong is facing a problem of population ageing with the proportion of population aged 65 or older increasing to a new high of 16%, from 12% in 2006. The figure was just 8% in 1986.

In 2016 Policy Address, a number of initiatives were put forward with a view to developing Hong Kong into an age-friendly city, one of which was the application of technology, Smart Device, to extend pedestrian flashing green time for the elderly, who were of slower walking speed as compared with the average walking speed for all pedestrians to cross signalized road junctions.  At the same time, the Smart Device will also facilitate the disabled to cross the road with extended flashing green time like the elderly.

In the seminar, Ir WONG will introduce and share the knowledge of the development of the Smart Device and the site trial.

Registration details:

This seminar is free-of-charge and prior registration is required. The number of participants is limited to 80 and applications will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis. For registration, please enroll to charles.so@aecom.com with our standard reply form.

Enquiry details

Ir Charles SO (Tel: 3922 9870)

Smart Mobility Series (3): Smart Devices at Signalized Pedestrian Crossings for the Elderly

By Ir Charles So

In view of the growth of ageing population in Hong Kong, the government is investigating the application of intelligent transport system to extend the pedestrian flashing green time for the elderly and persons with disabilities to cross the signalized junction. The Logistics & Transportation (LT) Division has invited Ir C H Wong, Chief Engineer and Ir Alan Tam, Senior Engineer of Transport Department, as the speakers of the seminar on 13 March 2018 at HKIE Headquarters. The seminar has attracted close to 40 members to attend. 

Ir Wong firstly introduced how the Smart Device operates. The elderly or persons with disabilities can activate the Smart Device installed at pedestrian traffic signal poles by tapping their Elder Octopus Card or Personalised Octopus Card with "Persons with Disabilities Status" when they are waiting for crossing the signalized junction, the subsequent pedestrian flashing green time will be extended accordingly. He mentioned that Smart Devices were installed at positions within the arm reach of disabled persons and they would not obstruct the sightline of the existing push buttons.

In the first quarter of 2018, Smart Devices will be installed at a total of 9 locations for trial. Ir Tam described the details of site trial of the Smart Device. The sites were selected to avoid busy roads and it should be close to elderly attractions, such as elderly community centers, old housing estate, etc. Ir Tam also shared his insight to the difficulties encountered during the development and installation of the Smart Device and how the performance of the trial sites is monitored.  It was understood that positive feedback from the community has been received.

The audience showed great interests on the topic and have actively participated in the discussion sessions.  We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Ir C H Wong and Ir Alan Tam for their informative presentation and contribution to the seminar.

The Speakers Ir Alan Tam (L) & Ir C H Wong (R) with Ir Charles So (M)