Hongkongers call for more diagonal pedestrian crossings after positive trials
The calls on Thursday came a day after the Transport Department released positive trial results from two current sites, Sha Tin and Tsim Sha Tsui, where diagonal crossings were introduced last year. Both saw faster crossing times and underlined the benefits such a system could bring to other intersections, including those in Tseung Kwan O, where severe jaywalking is common.
The department said it had assessed the viability of introducing more crossings, with evaluations expected to be completed by the second half of this year.
Hong Kong's first diagonal crossing was introduced in Sha Tin in the first half of 2024. Located at the junction of Sha Kok Street and Yat Tai Street, it seamlessly connects three public housing estates – Jat Min Chuen, Sha Kok Estate, and Pok Hong Estate – and provides direct access to the Sha Tin Wai MTR station, which is on the Tuen Ma line.
Chan Kam-kwan, 48, a chef who lives in Pok Hong Estate, said he liked the convenience of being able to cross diagonally legally, although he still noticed some dangerous situations.
'I actually timed it. It only took me 16 seconds to cross diagonally, compared to the 31 seconds of the old 'L-shaped' way. Plus, I don't have to wait for an extra traffic light, which really saves time,' Chan said.
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