************************************************************
Members of the Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) discussed today (November 25) the Government's proposed package of measures to enhance the safety of public light bus operations.
"We support the multi-pronged strategy adopted by the Government in enhancing the safety of public light bus operations through regulations, education and enforcement,"TAC Chairman Ms Teresa Cheng said.
The TAC supported the proposed installation of speed limiters on all public light buses.
"We consider that the speed limiter will be an effective device to deter public light bus drivers from driving at an excessive speed and support the Government's swift action of requiring in early 2010 all public light bus owners to retrofit their vehicles with speed limiters," Ms Cheng said.
"We also support the proposal to specify a blackbox as a basic piece of equipment in all newly registered public light buses. This will help fleet management and driver monitoring."
The TAC agreed that publicity, training and education are important tools to improve motorists' driving attitude in a fundamental way.
"We support the Government's plan to require applicants for public light bus driving licences to attend a mandatory pre-service training course. This will help shape the driving behaviour of drivers right at the beginning of their professional career," Ms Cheng said.
On the enforcement front, the TAC noted that the Police have been taking stringent enforcement action to combat traffic offences committed by public light bus drivers.
Separately, the TAC noted the Transport Department's findings that there is no direct correlation between the pay system for green minibus drivers and the safety of minibus operations.
Ends/Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:22
NNNN
