One second more: Hong Kong district councillor draws sneers and applause over traffic light move
Transport Department agrees to move to allow green man light to operate for one second longer to allow people to cross busy Shau Kei Wan junction
Can one second make a difference in a city well known for racing against time? It did for one district councillor who succeeded in securing a one-second increase in the time allowed for pedestrians to cross a busy road junction in Shau Kei Wan.
Independent Eastern district councillor George Lam Kei-tung fought back sneers by cynics who accused him of making a frivolous request for political gain, insisting the move eased woes for pedestrians, in particular the elderly and the physically impaired.
“I admit that the one-second request was deliberately made sensational and eye-catching. But my intention was just to raise public and government attention about the pedestrian-crossing problems at that busy spot,” he told the Post, adding that he might ask for a half-second increase next time.
“What I did was not for claiming political credit. I never showed off my achievements on any banners. I just want – as a district councillor – to make more people aware of the problem,” he said.
The contentious crossing point is at the junction of Tung Hei Road and Mong Lung Street in the heart of Shau Kei Wan.