New working group to push autonomous vehicle technology in Hong Kong
Transport Department’s strategy blueprint includes implementation of real-time adaptive traffic signals and smart motorway management system
Hong Kong authorities will form a new working group focused on the development of autonomous vehicles, as the government unveiled a raft of innovation and technology-led initiatives in its latest transport strategy blueprint.
Other measures announced in the Transport Department’s plan released on Friday include the implementation of real-time adaptive traffic signals and a smart motorway management system for major roads to improve efficiency and convenience.
“To further push the development of autonomous vehicles, the commissioner for transport will chair the Autonomous Vehicle Applications Promotion Group [and] push forward with the relevant work across departments and different industry stakeholders,” Assistant Commissioner for Transport Leung Sai-ho said.
Leung noted that the group would be tasked with reviewing the needs and progress of individual autonomous vehicle projects. The vehicles are currently being tried out at the airport and in Tung Chung.
The group will also oversee testing locations, the types of vehicles and the licensing arrangements needed for commercialisation.
“We will continue to work with the sector to introduce more autonomous vehicles to cover public roads that have more complex conditions, gain experience to improve technological standards and share the results of our research with the sector,” Leung said.