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Police mounted an operation against illegal modifications and excess passengers of school buses from September 1 to 27.
The officers of Task Force Sub Unit of Enforcement and Control Division, Traffic Hong Kong Island detained 12 school buses suspected with illegal modifications for examinations. Police also arrested a 57-year-old male school bus driver for driving whilst disqualified.
Initial investigations revealed that the school buses were installed with additional seats, which obstructed the emergency exit and some of the fire extinguishers installed in the buses were expired and not in working order.
Police reiterate that both drivers and vehicle owners of school buses are liable to the illegal modifications. According to the Road Traffic (Construction and Maintenance of Vehicles) Regulations, any person who illegally installs additional seats to a vehicle is liable to a fine of $10,000 and six-month imprisonment. If fire extinguishers installed in the school buses are expired and not in working order, the driver and owner are liable to a fine of $5,000 and three-month imprisonment. Police urge public to contact them in case any school bus suspected with illegal modifications were found.
Police also remind that driving whilst disqualified is an offence under the Road Traffic Ordinance which is liable to a fine of $10,000 and 12-month imprisonment.
Police Report No. 6
Issued by PPRB
Ends/Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:12
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