HALF-BAKED ideas about road pricing will not solve Hong Kong's traffic problem. The majority of vehicles on the roads are commercial vehicles, not private cars; and of those which do fall into the private car category, many are owned by companies for which a road pricing scheme would be no deterrent whatsoever. Price has never been a disincentive in Hong Kong. The Government must look at more realistic options. Some of the heavy fines already being paid by car users should, for one, be invested in updating the traffic light system. Drivers should also be educated to stop this absurd Hong Kong practice of leaving their cars in the middle of busy roads following accidents that result in minor bumps, no injury (and frequently no visible damage) while they argue the toss. The MTR line round Hong Kong Island and Kowloon should also be extended to reduce the number of mini-buses, public light buses and cars on the road. PLBs and taxis should also be permitted to use bus stops to pick up passengers. Punitive taxation of motorists already exists. However, so far, it has not worked to reduce the number of cars and there is no reason to think it will work in the future. NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED
