The Transport Bureau (DSAT) is open to regulating substitute driver services, bureau director Lam Hin San said yesterday on the sidelines of a parliamentary meeting.
Substitute driver services involve the provision of a replacement driver to drive a private car when the owner has consumed alcoholic drinks or when they feels too fatigued to drive.
Recently, a fatal car accident took place involving a motorcycle and a car bearing the logo of a driver replacement service.
In light of this incident, the question of regulating similar services was raised. To which, Lam assured that the bureau would “humbly listen to social discussions on regulating the service and its road safety.”
He then resorted to the lack of similar regulations in nearby places to hint that local regulations will only be available “at a suitable time in the future.”
He also believed that there is no breach of law by the service. He believes insurance and legal responsibilities in accidents can be clarified, adding that the driver will be held responsible for any accident.
Lam emphasized that pursuant to the Road Transport Law and the Taxi Law, substitute driver services do not constitute illegal car hiring. He cited the fact that illegal car hiring uses drivers’ own vehicles, while substitute driver services use customers’ vehicles.
When asked about the government’s lack of preparedness for the easing of traffic near the Pearl of the Orient area, Lam blamed the Covid-19 pandemic for the impression, which he regards as a misapprehension, of congestion having become more serious.
Near 20 years ago, when the idea of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge was first discussed, public submissions had already suggested that the government to prepare for a possible escalation of traffic congestion in the area.
On roadside parking license, the government will either temporarily extend existing contracts or open a short-term tender to cope with the new law currently being developed at the parliament.
