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The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) was today (December 17) consulted on the Government's proposal to raise the mandatory requirement for using child restraint devices (CRD), namely carrycots, child safety seats and booster seats, in private cars.
The current legislation requires that a child aged less than 3 must be restrained by an approved CRD when travelling in the front seat of a private car.
Having regard to the views of the medical community and overseas practices, the Government has put forward four options that will raise the age requirement and introduce a height requirement for mandatory use of CRDs in the front and rear seats of private cars. The proposed height requirement ranges from 1.35 to 1.5 metres and the age requirement from 8 to 11 years old.
The Government will also strengthen education and publicity on the use of CRDs in private cars.
"Members welcome and support the Government's proposal of further enhancing the safety of child passengers in private cars by raising the mandatory requirement for using CRDs, which has taken into account the views of the medical community and overseas practices. The proposal will certainly better protect our child passengers in private cars," the TAC chairman, Mr Larry Kwok, said.
The Government has an open mind on all the options, and will consult the Legislative Council Panel on Transport and the Road Safety Research Committee under the Road Safety Council. Subject to the comments received, the Government will conduct a survey to gauge views of private car owners.
Ends/Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:05
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