Gov’t proposes point scheme for traffic violations

The government has proposed a point scheme in the amendment bill for the Road Transport Law, the Secretary for Administration and Justice, and spokesperson of the ExCo, André Cheong, told a recent Executive Council (ExCo) press conference.

The director of Transport, Kelvin Lam, said the government is proposing to link 12 points to each driving license holder, deducting points for traffic infringements.

When drivers have only seven points left, they will only be able to regain three points by undertaking driver training at their own expense.

With only six points left, licenses will be suspended for three months. With no points left, they will be suspended for six months.

It is proposed that point deductions will only occur for two infringements – disobeying orders from an authorized person, or disobeying instructions on traffic signs.

The proposed scheme will not apply to speeding, driving in the reverse direction or failing to give way at a pedestrian crossing. Lam said the current system of fines and judicial procedures is sufficient.

Unlike in mainland China’s scheme, the proposed point scheme does not have a renewal mechanism, according to the land transport official.

The government has also proposed banning the use of cellphones and similar telecommunication devices as well as audio-visual devices.

Lam said phone calls with hands-free devices is proposed to be permitted.

If passed, the law will ban holding a phone while driving or while sitting in a stationary vehicle. Lam said playing music on vehicles will be allowed.

The road transport official said GPS navigation would be permissible, acknowledging its necessity.

Improved governance on pedestrian practices is also proposed. For example, additional regulations are proposed for scenarios in which no legal crossings are available within 50 meters of a pedestrian.

It was also proposed that the use of skatebikes, skateboards and similar vehicles – regardless of their power source – be banned on public roads. The use of wheelchairs and similar accessible equipment on public roads will also be regulated as proposed.

Punishments for driving under the influence of alcohol and narcotics, as well as speeding will also be increased under the proposal.

It is also proposed to expand the use of seatbelts for all types of vehicles to cover the front seats of heavy vehicles. But seatbelt use will not be mandated on back seats.

In another bill, the government has proposed changes to the ownership transfer of government housing, i.e. Economic and Sandwich-class Housing schemes.

To expedite the construction of government housing projects, the bill proposes to end the need to designate development rights to the Housing Bureau (IH).

Instead, the Secretary for Transport and Public Works will be able to designate a land plot for government housing and commence the tender process.

However, details will be announced in due course about the sales process, Cheong said. He also said no change to the current sale and purchase practices will be introduced even with this bill enacted as law.

Hui Ho Chi, a member of the Transport Advisory Committee, said he supports the government’s proposed points deduction system, but has called on authorities for further information and discussion on the system and the modification of provisions governing pedestrians crossing the road.

He also believed the relevant modifications would encourage drivers to drive more carefully and hoped authorities would clarify details on the penalty points system as soon as possible.