AI to be used for licence renewals and traffic control
The Transport Department (TD) on Thursday said it will begin using artificial intelligence by the end of the year to process online vehicle licence renewals and applications for cross-boundary driving schemes. The AI technology will automatically identify, cross-check, and verify submitted documents, including identity cards, insurance policies, and proofs of address. Deputy Commissioner for…
The Transport Department announced it will employ artificial intelligence by year-end to manage online vehicle licence renewals and cross-border driving applications. The AI system will automatically analyze submitted documents, such as identity cards and insurance policies, cutting processing times from ten working days to just one.
Deputy Commissioner Candy Kwok stated that over 90 percent of licence renewals will be handled by AI, with more than half of cross-border applications automatically approved. The department plans to expand AI use to other high-demand services, like international driving licences. Additionally, a pilot project will begin in Causeway Bay's Gloucester Road and Great George Street junction next year, using AI to adjust traffic signals based on real-time pedestrian and vehicle flow.
The system aims to reduce pedestrian waiting times by 15 to 20 seconds. Chief Engineer Gordon Kwok explained that the AI will monitor traffic volume and adjust signal timings to balance pedestrian and vehicle needs. The system will not collect licence plate data or facial recognition information. AI has also been used to prevent automated bots from hoarding online queue slots for driving licences, reducing wait times from up to two hours to under 45 minutes.
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