*********************************************************
The Government supports and promotes innovation and technology development and welcomes innovation and technology businesses to set up in Hong Kong.
A Government spokesman today (August 14) said that Invest Hong Kong provides businesses wanting to set up in Hong Kong professional support and practical information, including information on the regulatory regime for their particular business, as well as other customised services to help businesses succeed in Hong Kong's vibrant economy. They must, however, conduct their business in compliance with the relevant local laws.
The spokesman said, "The Government is open-minded in respect of application of technology in the area of transport policy, including the use of mobile applications for calling vehicles for hire or reward. However, the use of such applications and the services provided should comply with the laws of Hong Kong for the interest and safety of passengers."
He noted that any person or organisation who arranges private cars for the carriage of passengers for hire or reward through any means (including the use of mobile applications) should ensure that those private cars have obtained hire car permits and have met relevant laws and permit conditions. The hire car permit shall be displayed inside the private car for which it is issued for inspection.
Pursuant to the existing law, it is an offence for any person to use, or to cause or permit any other person to use, a motor vehicle on a road unless there is in force in relation to the user of the vehicle by that person or that other person, as the case may be, such a policy of insurance or such a security in respect of third party risks as complies with the requirements of the law.
Private cars without hire car permits but used for the carriage of passengers for hire or reward will not have a policy of insurance or such a security in respect of third party risks as complies with the requirements of the law.
Thus, the spokesman reminded members of the public who intend to use a hire car service to enquire with the service operator or inspect the private car concerned to ascertain whether a hire car permit has been issued to the private car.
The safety of road users is of paramount importance. The Government will continue to take necessary enforcement action to protect the safety of passengers.
At the same time, the Government is conducting the Role and Positioning Review under the Public Transport Strategy Study to examine the respective roles and positioning of public transport services other than heavy rail, including taxis.
"When exploring the role and positioning of taxi service, we will look into the long-term supply and demand of taxi service and its service level. A major issue to be reviewed is whether it is feasible and desirable to introduce new types of taxi service, such as premium taxis. Making good use of technology in promoting service improvements will be one of the topics to be studied," the spokesman said.
Ends/Friday, August 14, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:23
NNNN
