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Members of the public are warned today (December 22) against taking part in any illegal karting activities that may pose hazard to themselves and others.

The warning came from the Acting Divisional Commander of Castle Peak, Mr Chin Chi-chung, at a press briefing this afternoon on an operation against an illegal karting track in which three men were arrested.

Police enquiries revealed that a company hired a piece of land in Lo On Pai flea market for the operation of karting track.

"The company has submitted applications to Television and Entertainment Authority and Electrical and Mechanical Services Department for the running of karts as amusement machines and the karting track as an amusement ground," Mr Chin said.

"However, the company has operated the track since September 30, 2001 and maintained about 40 karts while the applications were still being processed,"

"Before exemption is granted by the Commissioner for Transport or Amusement Ride Licence is issued, the track falls under the definition of a road and is therefore covered by the Road Traffic Ordinance."

The ordinance applies to any mechanically propelled vehicle regardless of engine size and requires that any motor vehicle on a road or private road must be registered and licensed.

Mr Chin added that despite repeated verbal and written warnings have been issued, the operator continued to run the track.

The last warning was issued on December 20, 2001 that prosecutions would be taken if the operator did not suspend the activity.

During the operation, three men aged between 18 and 41, including the 41-year-old operator, were arrested. Police have also impounded eight karts for examination.

The arrested persons are still being detained for further enquiries.

Police Report No. 6

Issued by PPRB

End/1915 hours, Saturday, December 22, 2001 (CC)

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