Hong Kong police deploy drones to enhance road safety in accident-prone areas

Hong Kong police will, for the first time, deploy drones to detect traffic violations starting on Sunday, with the aim of enhancing road safety in accident-prone areas.

The initiative was announced during a briefing in which the force also revealed that the number of fatal crashes in the first seven months of this year had dropped by 47 per cent compared to last year, totalling 288 cases.

Similarly, the number of people seriously injured in these accidents fell by 45 per cent, from 587 to 321.

Speaking at the briefing, Lam Kai-sum, chief inspector of the Road Safety Unit at Traffic Branch Headquarters, explained the drone deployment plan.

“We have chosen two hotspots for fatal and serious traffic accidents and will use drones to record footage from above. The aim is to deter drivers from violating the law,” Lam said.

The first trial of the drones will take place on Shek O Road and Route Twisk, both well known for their sharp bends and frequent records of fatal accidents.