Latest news with #RoadTrafficOrdinance
HKFP
31-07-2025
- Business
- HKFP
Hong Kong gov't to submit proposal on regulating e-bikes, e-scooters next year
The Hong Kong government will submit a proposal to the legislature next year on regulating the use of electronic bicycles, scooters and other electric mobility devices, the city's transport chief has said. The regulatory framework will focus on limiting the locations where the devices may be used, as well as regulating products that are currently banned under the Road Traffic Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan told the Legislative Council (LegCo) on Wednesday. The government said in June 2023 that it would commence a legislative amendment exercise on electric mobility devices. Chan said on Wednesday that the authorities aim to submit the proposal to the legislature for scrutiny next year. In response to questions raised by lawmaker Lau Kwok-fan, Chan said the government had been 'open' to new technologies for promoting green commuting, while attaching great importance to road safety. The minister said motorised personal mobility devices, such as electric scooters, unicycles, hoverboards, and power-assisted pedal cycles, may be used for short-distance commutes or to connect transport between railway stations. The former should be used on selected cycle tracks, Chan said, citing the Transport Department's discussions with other government units on building comprehensive cycle track networks in new development zones, including the Hung Shui Kiu New Development Area. The department will also select cycle tracks in other areas that can accommodate both bicycles and electric mobility devices. For power-assisted pedal cycles, Chan said the authorities plan to allow them on all cycle tracks, given that they operate in a similar way to bicycles. Chan also cited public reservations and concerns over the potential risks of allowing electric mobility devices in locations other than cycle tracks. She said the government would 'carefully consider' different views to ensure road safety. The proposed regulation will cover technical and safety requirements for the devices, and the authorities may require third-party certification bodies to test such specifications, Chan said. Only certified devices with a QR code label will be allowed for use. The government plans to impose an age limit on users of electric mobility devices, requiring them to be at least 16 years old, and they must wear a helmet. The Transport Department will also work on a code of practice for riders. The proposed penalties for road violations should be similar to those for cycling, Chan said. At present, reckless cycling can result in a fine of HK$500 for a first conviction. In 2023, the police arrested 267 people for the illegal use of electric devices, according to data from the Transport Department. The number of arrests in 2021 and 2022 was 207 and 236, respectively.
HKFP
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- HKFP
Hong Kong gov't to require all taxis to install in-car cameras with audio recording functions by early 2027
All Hong Kong taxis will be required to install in-car cameras with audio recording capabilities by early 2027, a move the government said is aimed at enhancing taxi services. 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.
RTHK
27-05-2025
- RTHK
Police arrest two in illegal ride-hailing crackdown
Police arrest two in illegal ride-hailing crackdown Police arrested two people during an undercover operation targeting illegal ride-hailing services. Photo: RTHK Undercover police officers on Tuesday arrested two people suspected of providing illegal ride-hailing services. The pair, aged 35 and 48, were arrested on suspicion of illegally carrying passengers for hire and not having third party liability insurance. Two vehicles were seized in the operation, which saw officers posing as customers. "According to the Road Traffic Ordinance, no person shall use a car to carry passengers for hire unless a hire car permit is issued," noted inspector Ho Kin-pong, adding that the offence carries a maximum punishment of HK$10,000 or a six-month prison term for a first conviction. Ho urged people to use legal means of transport.
