Editorial | Hong Kong pedestrian zones the safest route for all
- Fatal accident in nightlife area a grim reminder of why restrictions on vehicles are required in some parts of the city
The safety of some of Hong Kong’s busiest streets has been called into question following a traffic accident that left a woman dead and seven other pedestrians injured. The tragedy occurred when a vehicle rolled backwards downhill and crashed into people enjoying a Friday night in a popular entertainment area.
A 44-year-old woman has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving. It is for the court to decide on any legal consequences.
But the accident has led to further calls for areas such as SoHo, where it happened, to be pedestrianised. This debate has been going on for years, but insufficient progress has been made.
The roads in SoHo are busy, narrow, and many are on steep slopes. Bars and restaurants in the area make it a magnet for those seeking entertainment, especially at night.
They gather on crowded pavements, sometimes spilling into the street. If a vehicle crashes, the consequences are likely to be serious, and the latest accident should serve as a reminder that care must be taken by all.
Proposals have been put forward over the years for turning parts of the city into pedestrian zones. The government commissioned a study in 2017 intended to improve the “walkability” of Hong Kong.