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Police conducted a territory-wide operation against overloaded vehicles yesterday (August 30) and two drivers were arrested for excessively overloaded their vehicles.
A total of 187 goods vehicles were checked with 28 verbal warnings, 57 fixed penalty tickets and one summons issued. Eleven vehicles suspected of having structural defects would be referred to Transport Department for follow up action.
Enforcement against overloaded vehicles is a Police priority. Overloaded vehicles put other road users at risk. Excessive loads may affect the braking system, steering, suspension and stability of a vehicle and the consequences could be fatal.
It is an offence to drive or use an overloaded goods vehicle on a road. Offenders are liable on first conviction to a fine of $5,000 and imprisonment for three months and on second or subsequent conviction to a fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for 6 months. The owner of the overloaded vehicle may also be prosecuted and fined.
The Police will continue to take enforcement actions against overloading vehicles with a view to improving road safety in Hong Kong.
Police Report No. 2
Ends/Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:54
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