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Following is a question by the Hon Albert Chan and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, at the Legislative Council meeting today (January 24) :
Question:
Recently, I received many complaints alleging that illegal motor racing involving up to 20 to 30 cars often took place during the early hours, causing great noise nuisance to residents nearby. Although the residents have lodged complaints to the Police, so far the Police have not taken any enforcement action in this regard. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the number of complaints about illegal motor racing received in each of the past three years, together with a breakdown by the locations involved;
(b) of the respective numbers of persons arrested for and convicted of participating in illegal motor racing in each of the past three years; and
(c) whether the authorities will step up enforcement actions against illegal motor racing; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply :
Madam President,
In 2004, 2005 and 2006, the Police received 330, 319 and 351 complaints involving illegal motor racing. Among these complaints, 164 cases were confirmed to be related to motor racing. A breakdown of the complaint figures by Police regions is as follows :
Number of complaints confirmed
to be related to motor racing
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Police Region 2004 2005 2006
************* **** ***** *****
Hong Kong Island 0 0 0
Kowloon East 14 18 15
Kowloon West 0 0 0
New Territories South 19 21 5
New Territories North 19 31 22
Total 52 70 42
In 2004, 2005 and 2006, the Police carried out 604, 462 and 411 operations against illegal motor racing, and prosecuted 8 855, 5 596 and 7 916 persons. Depending on the circumstances and evidence of each case, these persons were charged with motor racing, dangerous driving, careless driving or speeding, and the majority was convicted and penalised.
The Police have always been concerned about the problem of illegal motor racing. They will continue to carry out enforcement operations against illegal motor racing through collection of intelligence and strategic planning; as well as review the effectiveness of their operations, with a view to combating this illegal and dangerous driving behaviour more effectively.
Ends/Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Issued at HKT 11:58
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