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Police conducted a territory-wide operation yesterday (May 3) to reinforce the wearing of seatbelt on public light bus (PLB) as part of ongoing efforts to encourage both drivers and passengers to protect themselves from injury.
The operation, which started in the early morning and ended at midnight yesterday, resulted in the issue of 17 verbal warnings and 116 summonses to PLB passengers, and four fixed penalty tickets to PLB drivers for failing to wear seatbelts.
Between January and March this year, there were a total of 244 traffic accidents involving PLBs, resulting in 359 casualties. There was a decrease of 10 per cent and 13 per cent respectively when compared with 272 traffic accidents and 415 casualties in the same period last year.
Police stressed that it is the personal responsibility of both 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. 200
Ends/Friday, May 4, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:05
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