Editorial | Privacy is paramount as Hong Kong deploys drones to enforce traffic laws
Efforts to improve road safety at accident hotspots are welcome, but public fears about being spied on should not be dismissed
Severe weather grounded plans to start on September 7, but three days later, officers started recording aerial footage. Police said they will target the locations known to be popular with sports car enthusiasts, since they often conduct speed tests on the roads.
Officers said inexperienced motorists and motorcycle riders who underestimate their ability to navigate the terrain can endanger other road users. Police have recorded four fatal accidents on Shek O Road and six on Route Twisk over the past five years.
The large size of the areas and a lack of high vantage points have made policing difficult. Drones help overcome those challenges by capturing footage, particularly at sharp bends, so police can gather the licence plate numbers of vehicles allegedly breaking traffic laws. Fixed penalty notices are sent out once drivers are identified.
The force has promised transparency, with drone monitoring conducted in public spaces and notices placed near deployment sites. Reflective stickers as well as red and blue flashing lights will identify the devices. Officers must strictly follow the Personal Data Privacy Ordinance during drone operations.