Hong Kong to deploy AI for traffic lights and licence renewals

The Hong Kong Transport Department is implementing new artificial intelligence initiatives to streamline traffic management and administrative services.

A new AI-powered traffic light system is scheduled to debut at the junction of Gloucester Road and Great George Street in Causeway Bay in the first quarter of 2027. This system will use real-time data to detect vehicle and pedestrian flows, dynamically allocating green light time. The department expects this to reduce maximum pedestrian waiting times by 15 to 20 seconds. The technology will eventually be rolled out to approximately 50 junctions in phases.

Additionally, the department plans to launch the ‘Easy Licence Application Approval’ system by the end of this year. Utilizing large language models, the system will automatically recognize and verify documents for online vehicle licence renewals. This is expected to reduce processing times from up to 10 working days to just one day, with more than 90 per cent of online renewals being processed automatically. The system will also support cross-border driving schemes between Hong Kong and Guangdong.