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Following is a question by the Hon Miriam Lau and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, at the Legislative Council meeting today (March 14) :
Question:
It has been reported that from time to time in recent years some people were found using forged vehicle licences (vehicle licence discs) and vehicle registration marks to operate taxis (commonly known as "shadow taxis"). In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the number of "shadow taxis" found in each of the past three years, and whether they are taxis which had been reported missing; if not, of the sources of such vehicles;
(b) whether it will enhance the security features of vehicle licence discs; if so, of the details; if not, how it can prevent the discs from being forged;
(c) whether the rights and interests of passengers of "shadow taxis" are safeguarded in the event of traffic accidents; and
(d) whether it will take measures to combat the operation of "shadow taxis"; if so, of the details of the measures concerned; if not, how it can safeguard the rights and interests of the drivers, owners and passengers of taxis?
Reply:
Madam President,
According to the Police, there was only one case of "shadow taxi" in the past three years. The case occurred in January this year and involved a taxi which had been reported missing.
If the "shadow taxi" is a missing vehicle, it will not be covered by any third party risks insurance. However, passengers of "shadow taxis" suffering from injuries or deaths in traffic accidents will be able to receive compensation from the fund managed by the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Hong Kong.
There is no evidence suggesting an increase in the number of cases of "shadow taxis". Yet, to tackle this problem, the Transport Department and the Police will review the need to enhance the security features of vehicle licences to facilitate enforcement by frontline officers. The Police have also reminded frontline officers on road block duties to conduct quick checks of the numbers of chassis and engines, vehicle licences, manufacturers' markings and other features of the vehicles intercepted to verify their legality. The Police and Transport Department have also been reminding drivers and taxi owners to pay attention to the adequacy of precautionary measures taken against theft of their vehicles for use as "shadow taxis". The relevant departments have also been advising the taxi trade and the public to report to the Police immediately on any suspected "shadow taxis" for Police's investigation and follow-up actions.
Ends/Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Issued at HKT 11:55
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