Why doesn't Hong Kong switch to right-hand traffic?
2 Answers
Hong Kong's urban roads are narrow, with many being one-way lanes. If the traffic direction were to be changed, a large amount of infrastructure would need to be modified, which would indeed be quite challenging. Here is relevant information about Hong Kong's left-hand traffic: 1. Historical reasons: Since Hong Kong was a British colony from 1842 to 1997, and vehicles in Britain also drive on the left, Hong Kong adopted left-hand traffic rules. 2. Traffic rules: After Hong Kong's return in 1997, the mainland and Hong Kong adopted a "one country, two systems" approach to road traffic issues. Mainland vehicles entering Hong Kong must follow Hong Kong's left-hand traffic rules. Conversely, Hong Kong vehicles entering the mainland must also follow local customs.
As a former British colony, Hong Kong has been driving on the left since the 19th century, a rule that remains unchanged to this day. The main reason lies in the overwhelming historical inertia and the prohibitively high cost of change. Reflecting on my years of driving experience, the entire road system, traffic lights, road signs, and even the driver's position in vehicles are all designed for left-side driving—switching to the right would require a complete overhaul. After the handover in 1997, the Basic Law preserved this system to avoid disruption. Compared to Macau or Singapore, which also adhere to this practice, it proves quite convenient. From a safety perspective, an abrupt switch could lead to frequent accidents. The government estimated that transitioning would cost tens of billions of Hong Kong dollars, impacting the economy and daily life. People have grown accustomed to it, making any change unnecessary and risky. Internationally, aligning with the UK and Australia offers more advantages. Simply put, historical legacies coupled with practical concerns make maintaining the status quo the safest option for Hong Kong.
