*********************************************************
Police New Territories North Regional Traffic Headquarters conducted an operation against overloaded goods vehicles from September 14 to 16 to remind goods vehicles drivers of the importance of safe driving through publicity and enforcement.
On the first day of the operation, road safety officers of Traffic New Territories North distributed leaflets to goods vehicles drivers at border control points, landfills and industrial area in New Territories North and remind them the importance of safe driving, maintaining vehicles in good conditions and safe loading.
Stringent enforcement actions were taken in the remaining days against overloading offences. A total of 1,260 leaflets were distributed, 15 verbal warnings, 13 fixed penalty tickets and seven summons were issued during the operation. A driver was also arrested for driving while disqualified and driving without third party insurance.
Overloaded vehicles may damage the roads and put other road users at risk. They may put strain on the steer and tires, causing the vehicle to be more volatile whilst in motion. Excessive loads may also affect the braking system of a vehicle and the consequences of which could be fatal.
In accordance with Section 54(1) of Road Traffic (Traffic Control) Regulations, Cap 374G, no person shall drive or use, or cause or permit to be driven or used, on a road a goods vehicle or special purpose vehicle that is so loaded that its gross vehicle weight exceeds the permitted gross vehicle weight assigned or deemed to have been assigned to the vehicle under the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations (Cap 374 sub. leg. E).
Any person who without reasonable excuse contravenes the above regulation commits an offence and is liable on first conviction to a fine of $5000 and imprisonment for 3 months and on second or subsequent conviction to a fine of $10000 and imprisonment for 6 months.
Police Report No. 2
Issued by PPRB
Ends/Thursday, September 17, 2009
Issued at HKT 13:13
NNNN