Hong Kong gov't to require all taxis to install in-car cameras with audio recording functions by early 2027
The government said in a statement on Wednesday that the amended regulation under the Road Traffic Ordinance will be gazetted and come into effect on Friday.
The amendment will be enacted through the 'negative vetting' procedure, which allows the government's proposals to be enacted before being scrutinised by legislators.
The government said it expects all taxis to install 'journey recording systems (JRS)' by early 2027, according to a government document submitted to the legislature.
The JRS, which can consist of one or more devices, should provide key functions including in-car cameras with audio recording functions that 'show a clear view of all persons in the taxi compartment,' dash cameras without audio, and GPS location tracking.
Meanwhile, the Transport Department will set up a centralised online platform to store and process all the data recorded from JRSs.
Only law enforcement agencies, the Transport Department, or those authorised by the department can access the in-car recordings for purposes such as facilitating an investigation related to a traffic-related contravention.
The taxi owners or operators can retrieve dash camera recordings and location data by themselves.
'We believe that these functions will help deter taxi drivers' malpractices, enhance driving safety of taxis and safeguard the interest of drivers and passengers in the event of disputes,' the government said in Wednesday's statement.
Authorities first announce plans to mandate in-car cameras in taxis last December. Taxi industry leaders said they supported the idea, saying recordings could help resolve disagreements between drivers and passengers.
E-payment methods
Separately, all Hong Kong taxis will also have to provide at least two types of e-payment means by next April.
The methods must include one QR code e-payment method means such as Wechat Pay HK, and at least one non-QR code e-payment method such as credit cards or Octopus cards.
The government said while some taxi drivers provide e-payment means, some still did not – an issue that 'attracts much public criticism' and caused 'great inconvenience' to passengers, especially tourists.
'There have been calls from the public in recent years urging the Government to require all taxi drivers to provide e-payment means, so as to provide passengers with more options for fare payment,' the Legislative Council paper read.
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