Genuine Hong Kong road accident victims must not suffer
Road accidents may have lasting consequences for those who survive. The government's Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme is a lifeline for the injured who could otherwise face financial hardship through loss of earnings, or put their recovery at risk by returning to work too soon. But it has been subject to serious, organised abuse, including faked accidents.
This has contributed to soaring payments to victims and their dependants in recent years, prompting the government to reply with drastic cost-cutting measures. Concern about such abuse is understandable, but authorities must strike a balance to ensure genuine victims do not suffer.
An increase in cases of assistance for injury, disability and interim maintenance had contributed to a rise in total annual payments from about HK$297 million to HK$492 million over five years, members of the Legislative Council's welfare services panel were told.
Payments are based on the number of days taken for sick leave or stays in hospital. The government proposes reducing the maximum number of days by two-thirds from 180 to 60, while average daily assistance would fall from the current top rate of HK$918 to an average of HK$330.
These reductions, supported by lawmakers, will have a significant impact. Transport sector lawmaker Frankie Yick Chi-ming said at present victims could receive assistance for up to six months, amounting to around HK$27,000 per month, 'which is better than working'. However, lawmaker Chau Siu-chung questioned whether the measures were too harsh. 'What about their families?' he asked.
The assistance fund is mainly financed by levies on vehicle and drivers' licences. Acting secretary for labour and welfare Ho Kai-ming told lawmakers that without adjustments the scheme would be unsustainable – 'the funds will be depleted by 2032'.
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