Spark Study Buddy (Explorer): Hong Kong to upgrade 13,000 traffic signals by 2027
Content provided by British Council
[1] The transport authorities in Hong Kong plan to replace 13,000 electronic traffic signals that make audible sounds throughout the city. The new models will feature functions for the visually impaired by the end of 2027. The Transport Department said last month that the renewal of pedestrian traffic lights would be implemented in phases across 2,000 junctions. The exercise is expected to cost the department HK$98 million.
[2] 'The existing electronic audible traffic signals have been used for over 20 years, exceeding their normal lifespan. We have noticed that problems are rising and causing higher maintenance costs,' said Gordon Kwok Ka-chun, chief engineer of traffic control at the department. 'So we would like to replace the ageing signals and at the same time include some new functions that are more applicable to the users.'
[3] The existing devices have two main functions. One is an audible sound that indicates the crossing status. The other is a button underneath that vibrates to convey the crossing status. Karl Lee Kai-tak, a visually impaired Hongkonger, said the old system was not clear enough.
[4] 'When we listen to the sound, the most important thing is to hear where the sound source is,' said Lee, who requires a cane to walk. 'The sound was a bit scattered in the old system; it was difficult to hear the sound of the source. The new one can make us hear the sound more clearly. This is a big difference.'
[5] The new models have five new functions for the visually impaired. These features include a light at a lower height for individuals with poor vision, a tactile map on the side with crossing layout information, and voice messages that provide the names of the streets near the crossing. The messages will be in Cantonese, Mandarin and English.
[6] The voice messages are accompanied by a special nighttime volume adjustment function so that residents are not disturbed. People can use a new wireless device or the HKeMobility app to adjust the volume when they need to cross. The pedestrian push button installed in the traffic lights will also become touchless to reduce hygiene concerns, according to the department.
Source: South China Morning Post, May 20
Questions
1. How many junctions will have the new traffic signals installed, as stated in paragraph 1?
2. According to paragraph 3, Lee does not … well.
A. see
B. hear
C. walk
D. none of the above
3. Based on paragraph 5, the new traffic signals do not have …
A. voice messages in multiple languages.
B. tactile maps.
C. automatic traffic light changes.
D. lower height lights.
4. What is the purpose of the special nighttime volume adjustment function mentioned in paragraph 6?
5. People can now change the traffic signals' volume … a wireless device or the 'HKeMobility' app.
A. use
B. using
C. uses
D. usable
6. Circle the correct answer. (3 marks)
Lee says the new system will be much / most clearer because the sound will be least / less scattered and a lot / little easier to hear compared to the existing one.
The new features for the signals will include tactile maps and multilingual voice messages.Photo: Elson Li
Answers
1. 2,000
2. A
3. C
4. to decrease the volume of the voice messages in order not to disturb residents
5. B
6. much; less; a lot
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