This Kwun Tong Police District Project is a local initiative that aims to develop a comprehensive Smart Traffic Management System, leveraging technology for the collection and analysis of traffic data, with a view to formulating corresponding measures and alleviating traffic issue in the area concerned. CCTV systems are installed as part of this system at major junctions and locations with high throughput to capture real-time traffic conditions.
- Project Objectives
To increase understanding of traffic conditions;
To define traffic issues and problems;
To identify traffic stress points and the impacts; and
To optimize resources and improve overall effectiveness and efficiency.
- Rationale for CCTV Installation
To collate traffic data; and
To enhance subsequent analysis and understanding of actual traffic situations and condition.
- Criteria for CCTV Locations
Traffic capacity and throughput of the area concerned;
Traffic congestion and complaint situations; and
Street features factors such as buildings, shops, traffic restricted zones, traffic lights, and traffic lanes.
- International Usage and Traffic Improvement
Innovative technologies are being adopted worldwide to improve transport and traffic systems in particularly metropolitan cities, for optimizing traffic management, which aim to provide a better transportation network and traffic conditions through technological means. The application of intelligent systems, including the use of CCTVs and AIs, will also benefit users in achieving smoother traffic flow in this regard.
‘Smart Mobility’ is one of the six key areas in the Hong Kong's ‘Smart City’ Blueprint. Safeguarding ‘Road safety’ by ensuring smooth traffic flow through the use of technology is also one of the Hong Kong Police Commissioner’s Operational Priorities 2024. Below are examples of smart system application worldwide:
Hangzhou’s smart system - ‘City Brain’ - uses CCTV, sensors, and AI to collect vehicle location information for real-time analysis, and coordinating traffic signals, to reduce congestion. This system has now been expanded to other cities nationwide.
Pittsburgh, USA applies AI systems with sensors and CCTV to monitor traffic, utilizing algorithms to calculate and arrange traffic signals, reducing waiting times and road congestion, as well as lowering emissions.
Bangkok, Thailand's - ‘Smart Traffic Control System’ - collects and analyzes data on vehicle flow, traffic signals, and congestion times with locations for intelligent and automated measures. Drivers can access real-time traffic information via a mobile app to plan routes and avoid heavily congested areas.
- Privacy Protection
The CCTVs installed under this Scheme will only capture public places.
The Kwun Tong Police District has commissioned an independent consultancy to conduct the Privacy Impact Assessment for installing CCTVs in public places. The Kwun Tong Police District shall ensure the implementation of the Scheme is in strict compliance with relevant laws of Hong Kong, whilst maintaining close liaison with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data to ensure the public’s right to privacy is upheld.
Taking reference from international practices and the Guidance on CCTV Surveillance Practices issued by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, the Government shall display conspicuous notices in close proximity to the CCTVs, explicitly informing the public that the CCTVs are in operation.
- Supervision and Regulation
The Hong Kong Police Force shall adopt a set of comprehensive and robust internal guideline to ensure a rigorous monitoring standard for the supervision of the CCTV system.
- Information Security
On information security, the Kwun Tong Police District has commissioned an independent consultancy to conduct the Security Risk Assessments and Audits for the system, with a view to ensuring the security of the infrastructure, hardware and software components and data transmission solutions supporting the system.