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    More than 150 taxi drivers at a Road Safety Campaign for Taxis at the Tamar Site in Admiralty today (April 26) pledged to strive for zero accidents in Hong Kong.  The event was a joint effort of taxi trade, Quality Taxi Services Steering Committee (QTSSC) and the Transport Department.

    Officiating at the ceremony, Commissioner for Transport, Mr Robert Footman said that last year the Road Safety Council held a competition for a Hong Kong Road Safety Vision.  "Today we are here with our friends from the taxi trade to promote the new vision ? Zero Accidents on the Road, Hong Kong's goal," Mr Footman said.

    In 2004, there were 166 road deaths, which was the lowest since 1959. The 160 fatal accidents in 2004, were the lowest in the past 45 years. The number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads was below 3,000 for the first time in 30 years.

    "I am glad to see more than 100 taxi drivers here to show their support on promoting road safety.  There are many taxis on Hong Kong roads every day.  With your help, we can take a step closer to the vision of Zero Accidents on our Roads." Mr Footman said.  

    Legislative Councillor, Ms Miriam Lau, Chairman of QTSSC Dr Eric Tsang, Dr Mikel Mong of Road Safety Council, representatives of the Hong Kong Police Force and Crown Motors Limited were invited to officiate at the function and deliver hints on road safety to taxi drivers.  

    The function ended with a joint declaration of the pledge by the taxi drivers to achieve the road safety vision "Zero Accidents on the Road, Hong Kong's goal".  The pledge included:

- Drive carefully.

- Comply with traffic signals and signs.

- No speeding and red-light jumping.

- Always alert to the road situation.

- Keep "2-second" distance with other vehicles.

- Be polite to the pedestrian and other road users.

- Take note of the proper operation of the vehicle.

- Remind passengers to wear seat belt, and,

- Take care of passengers who board or alight from the vehicle.

    In addition to the ceremony today, other programmes of the campaign included the display of advertisements on 130 urban, NT and Lantau taxis to enhance taxi drivers' awareness on road safety when they operate around the territory.  An exhibition tour on road safety for taxis would be held at offices of taxi trade associations to drive home the road safety message to other taxi operators.

Ends/Tuesday, April 26, 2005

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