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Police conducted a territory-wide operation to reinforce the wearing of seat belts on public light bus (PLB) yesterday (September 16) as part of ongoing efforts to encourage both drivers and passengers to protect themselves from injury.
The operation started in the early morning and ended at midnight yesterday and resulted in the issue of 35 verbal warnings and 191 summonses to PLB passengers, as well as 19 fixed penalty tickets to PLB drivers.
In the first eight months of this year, there were a total of 723 traffic accidents involving PLBs, resulting in 1,201 casualties. An increase of 0.1 per cent and eight per cent respectively when compared with 722 traffic accidents and 1,114 casualties in the same period last year.
Police stressed that it is the passengers' personal responsibility to ensure that they are securely fastened to their seats by means of a seat belt where one is fitted. A passenger or a driver who is found not wearing a seat belt on a PLB is subject to a maximum fine of $5,000 and three months' imprisonment.
"The Force is committed to taking proactive action to reduce deaths and injuries arising from traffic accidents. Education, publicity and enforcement will continue to be used to enhance road safety," a Police spokesman said.
Police Report No. 11
Issued by PPRB
Ends/Friday, September 17, 2010
Issued at HKT 22:15
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