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Police conducted a territory-wide operation yesterday (June 16) to reinforce the wearing of seatbelts on public light bus (PLB) as part of ongoing efforts to encourage both drivers and passengers to protect themselves from injury. Stringent enforcement action has seen a drop in PLB related serious traffic casualties and will continue to be reinforced.
The operation started in the early morning and ended at midnight yesterday and resulted in the issue of 44 verbal warnings and 210 summonses to PLB passengers. In addition, seven Fixed Penalty Tickets and four verbal warnings were issued to PLB drivers for failing to wear seatbelts.
Between January and May this year, there were a total of 431 traffic accidents involving PLBs, resulting in 658 casualties. There was a decrease of six per cent and nine per cent respectively when compared with 459 traffic accidents and 722 casualties in the same period last year.
Police stressed that it is the personal responsibility of both the passengers and drivers to ensure that they are securely fastened to their seats by means of a seatbelt where one is fitted. A passenger or a driver who is found not wearing a seatbelt 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 conducted to enhance road safety", a Police spokesman said.
Police Report No. 29
Ends/Friday, June 17, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:49
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