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Members of the Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) were briefed today (December 29) on the "Safe Driving and Health Campaign for Professional Drivers" to be launched by the Transport Department (TD).
"We fully support this campaign, which will further focus the attention of professional drivers on the importance of safe driving attitude and good health condition," TAC chairman Ms Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah said.
"There has been public concern about the involvement of some professional drivers in serious traffic accidents in recent years. We believe that the campaign, coupled with other efforts of the administration, will enhance road safety in Hong Kong. Comprising publicity activities, five Health Check Days for professional drivers and 11 road safety seminars, the campaign will effectively enhance the health and safety awareness and address the needs of the professional drivers," Ms Cheng said.
Members were also briefed on the Transport Department's "Driving Route Search Service" ("DRSS") and the enhanced version of the "Public Transport Enquiry Service" ("PTES").
"We welcome these initiatives which will provide convenient services to the public," Ms Cheng said.
The DRSS is a new service that will provide motorists with optimum driving routes based on the selection criteria such as shortest travel time or shortest distance. Supplementary information including no-stopping restriction, vehicle restriction and major car park locations is also available. A pilot version of DRSS is expected in end March/early April 2010.
As regards PTES, following the launch of a pilot version in April this year, TD has been refining the service having regard to public feedback. An enhanced version with a more user-friendly interface and additional search functions is scheduled for March 2010.
Ends/Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:30
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