Speed limits were eased on more than half of the road sections reviewed by the Transport Department this year. Announcing a $25-million road safety campaign for the next two years, Deputy Commissioner Kam Wai-yip defended the raising of limits by an average of 20km/h in 23 areas since March. He said the relaxation meant there had been fewer accidents. 'The performance of vehicles has improved in the past 10 years. A 50km/h limit set 10 years ago may not be appropriate now,' he said. In 17 other road sections under review, the speed limit was unchanged. Speed limits on roads including Harcourt Road and Kwai Chung Road were under review, Mr Kam said. The Transport Department is to introduce eight mobile, digital speed trap cameras to be moved around 60 locations. Motorists will receive advance warning of a camera's location with a sign. Black spots such as Tuen Mun Highway and Eastern Corridor will be targeted. The cameras will capture motorists on film, and fines will be issued for those breaking the limit, said Mr Kam. The department is backing an attempt to increase the maximum speeding fine from $450 to $1,000, put before the Transport Advisory Committee on Tuesday. The current fine for those speeding more than 30km/h over the limit is $450. Mr Kam said the Department wanted to deter those 'causing the most risk' by increasing the penalties. 'They pose the greatest danger, but we aim to deter speeding rather than penalise people,' he said.
