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Following is a question by the Hon Choy So-yuk and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, at the Legislative Council meeting today (October 18) :
Question:
It is reported that some motor trading companies lend new tyres to container truck owners for the latter to replace the old tyres of their trucks with the new ones, but the "bald tyres" will subsequently be put back and used again after the trucks have passed the annual inspection by the Transport Department. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the progress of the investigation into the above situation and whether any person has been prosecuted;
(b) of the number of car accidents involving the use of "bald tyres" in each of the last three years; among them, the number of cases in which container trucks were involved and casualties were caused;
(c) of the number of prosecutions against the use of "bald tyres" in each of the last three years; among them, the number of cases in which container trucks were involved and the penalty usually imposed; and
(d) in order to curb the use of "bald tyres", whether it will consider reviewing the existing legislation to impose heavier penalty with a view to enhancing the deterrent effect; if it will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply :
Madam President,
Upon receiving reports that some motor trading companies lend new tyres to container truck owners for vehicle annual examinations, the Police have launched investigation. The investigation is still underway and no prosecution has so far been instituted.
In 2003, 2004 and 2005, there were 182, 113 and 110 traffic accidents with casualties that involved vehicles with substandard tyres (including "bald tyres") respectively. Among them, 5, 4 and 5 cases involved container trucks. We do not have the breakdown of traffic accidents involving vehicles fitted with "bald tyres".
Regarding prosecutions, the Police instituted 141, 175 and 201 prosecutions against vehicles fitted with¡§bald tyres¡šin 2003, 2004 and 2005 respectively. We do not have the breakdown of prosecution figures against container trucks.
According to the existing legislation, any person who uses, causes or permits others to use any vehicle fitted with substandard tyres on roads is liable to a fine of $10 000 and 6 months' imprisonment on conviction. Depending on the circumstances of the cases, the Police may also charge the persons concerned with other offences, such as careless driving.
The Police will step up enforcement against the use of substandard tyres. We will also strengthen publicity and education to remind vehicle owners the importance of vehicle maintenance. In addition, we will continue to monitor closely the relevant accidents and prosecution statistics, and will review the relevant legislation if necessary.
Ends/Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Issued at HKT 11:42
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