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Police conducted a territory-wide operation yesterday (September 7) 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.
The operation started in the early morning and ended at midnight yesterday and resulted in the issue of 28 verbal warnings and 178 summonses to PLB passengers. In addition, two summonses, four Fixed Penalty Tickets and seven verbal warnings were issued to PLB drivers for failing to wear seatbelts.
Between January and August this year, there were a total of 711 traffic accidents involving PLBs, resulting in 1 153 casualties. There was a decrease of three per cent and 10 per cent respectively when compared with 736 traffic accidents and 1 275 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. 12
Ends/Thursday, September 8, 2011
Issued at HKT 21:13
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