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Police conducted a territory-wide operation yesterday (December 8) 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 seven verbal warnings and 148 summonses to PLB passengers. In addition, 11 Fixed Penalty Tickets were issued to PLB drivers for failing to wear seatbelts.
Police figures show that there were 974 traffic accidents involving PLBs, resulting in 1,602 casualties between January and November this year. There was a decrease of three per cent and four per cent respectively when compared with 999 traffic accidents and 1,662 casualties in the same period last year.
A Police spokesman said:¡§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.¡¨
Police Report No. 144
Ends/Friday, December 9, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:03
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