************************************************************
Police conducted a territory-wide operation yesterday (September 11) 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, which started in the early morning and ended at midnight yesterday, resulted in the issue of 16 verbal warnings and 256 summonses to PLB passengers, and 12 fixed penalty tickets to PLB drivers for failing to wear seatbelts.
Between January and August this year, there were a total of 682 traffic accidents involving PLBs, resulting in 1 100 casualties. There was a decrease of five per cent each when compared with 717 traffic accidents and 1 163 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. 238
Ends/Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:13
NNNN
