The use of alternating black and white markings on road kerbs
Dear Transport Department
I am looking for information concerning the use of alternating black and white markings on the edge of road kerbs occasionally found in some places. Specifically:
1. What is the official name used to refer to such markings;
2. What are the official operational criteria for deploying such markings over standard unpainted concrete kerbs;
3. Does this specific marking carry any statutory obligations or restrictions for road users under Hong Kong motor traffic laws, and if otherwise then what is its purpose (e.g. strictly used as an advisory measure to enhance visibility);
4. In what year did the government first officially adopt the practice of painting such markings, and what was the initial basis for doing so;
5. Under what specific departmental circular, directive, or policy paper first mandated the adoption of such markings, and a description and/or copy of the specific document if available.
Please provide this to me as required by the Code on Access to Information. If any charge is to be levied please let me know beforehand as I may not proceed further with that part of the request. I appreciate the help and look forward to your prompt response.
Yours faithfully
J A Wilson
23/07/2026
Dear Sir/Madam,
Subject: Access to Information request - The use of alternating black and white markings on road kerbs (Case Ref: 3-9602881228)
Thank you for your email dated 22/07/2026 to the Transport Department, which has been received by 1823 on behalf of the department.
For the issue(s) related to the use of alternating black and white markings on road kerbs, we have passed your correspondence to the relevant unit of the Transport Department for follow-up. You will be informed of the result once it is available.
If you have any questions about this reply, please contact us.
Best regards,
Hugo Ching
Customer Service Officer
1823
Contact Us: www.1823.gov.hk/en/about-us/contact-us
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31/07/2026
Dear Wilson,
Subject: Access to Information request - The use of alternating black and white markings on road kerbs (Case Ref: 3-9602881228)
Regarding your above case, the interim reply of the Transport Department is as follows –
"Dear Mr Wilson,
Transport Department received your request for access to information on 22 July 2026. Your application is now under processing. According to paragraph 1.16 of the Code on Access to Information, Transport Department will inform you of the latest progress of the case separately on or before 11 August 2026. You may note that case no. 270/26 is assigned to your request.
In the meantime, if you have any enquiry, please contact me at 3842 5574.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
Miss Natalie FUNG
for Commissioner for Transport "
If you have any questions about this reply, please contact us.
Best regards,
Clot Luk
Customer Service Officer
1823
Case Status Enquiry: www.1823.gov.hk/portal/en/login
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11/08/2026
Dear Sir/Madam,
Subject: Access to Information request - The use of alternating black and white markings on road kerbs (Case Ref: 3-9602881228)
Regarding your above case, the substantive reply of the Transport Department is as follows –
"Dear Mr Wilson,
I refer to your request for access to information no. 270/26. Further to our interim reply, our reply is as follows:
Item 1
These markings are referred as “alternate black and white striped markings” in our design manual.
Item 2
These markings are used at kerb edges to enhance their visibility and alert drivers and pedestrians to the kerb line. They are primarily used inside public bus termini and public transport interchanges at appropriate locations such as the ends of boarding platforms, bus bays, and critical bends as necessary. They are also used at locations where particular attention of motorists/pedestrians is required.
Item 3
These markings are warning markings, which carry no regulatory effect in Road Traffic Ordinance.
Item 4 and 5
The design and provision criteria were first incorporated into the Transport Department’s Transport Planning and Design Manual (TPDM) in 2008. For details regarding these markings, please refer to the TPDM Volume 6, Chapter 8 and Volume 9, Chapter 2 via the following website: https://www.td.gov.hk/en/publications_an....
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
Miss Emily LAU
for Commissioner for Transport"
If you have any questions about this reply, please contact us.
Best regards,
Vincent Man
Customer Service Officer
1823
Case Status Enquiry: www.1823.gov.hk/portal/en/login
Contact Us: www.1823.gov.hk/en/about-us/contact-us
Service Disclaimer: www.1823.gov.hk/en/di.shtm