Police said a citywide crackdown will be launched starting next week against inattentive driving as well as traffic violations by truck drivers, covering such issues as defective vehicles and cargo overloading.

In a first, drones will be deployed to record any violations.

The use of drones will begin as a pilot test on Shek O Road and Route Twisk, where officers noted there had been 10 fatal accidents over the past five years.

Chief Inspector Lam Kai-sum noted that enforcement action on the two narrow and winding roads had been difficult in the past.

“These two locations, they have some geographical limitations," he said.

"By deploying drones, we can overcome these limitations, enabling coverage of areas that previously we have difficulty enforcing.

“We believe this will significantly reduce drivers' likelihood of taking chances with violations.”

The drones will record the licence plate numbers of passing cars, and a fixed penalty notice or summons will be issued to any drivers found violating regulations, Lam said.

Superintendent Lai Siu-wai, meanwhile, expressed concern about fatal accidents involving trucks and light goods vehicles.

Trucks and light goods vehicles accounted for more than 25 percent of 49 such cases in the first seven months of the year.

Overall, there were 288 traffic accidents leading to deaths and serious injuries, a drop of 47 percent from the same period last year.

Lai attributed the downward trend to greater public awareness, as well as the force’s road safety campaigns and more effective enforcement measures.