Road Traffic (Construction and Maintenance of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulation 2020 and Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulation 2020 gazetted
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The relevant amendment regulations seek to relax the vehicle length and maximum gross weight restriction of light buses to 7.5 metres and 8.5 tonnes, and amend some technical requirements in respect of the destination indicator and the fare card of public light buses.
A spokesman for the Transport and Housing Bureau said, "It is the Government's policy objective to promote green and barrier-free transport. While taking forward the above initiatives, we notice that the vehicle lengths and weights of electric light bus models and models with barrier-free facilities in the market often exceed the current legal requirements of 7 metres and 5.5 tonnes.
"After reviewing, we consider the vehicle length and maximum gross weight restriction of light buses should be relaxed to allow more choices for the trade while accommodating the development needs of the industry. At the same time, we would like to take the opportunity to examine the regulations concerning other equipment on public light buses, and propose to make certain amendments, including updating the requirements on the destination indicator and the fare card, in order to reflect the flexible mode of operation of the public light bus trade and the latest technological developments, thus ensuring that the current law will be able to accommodate the actual needs of society and the trade."
The relevant amendment regulations will be submitted to the Legislative Council on April 22 for negative vetting procedures. If the amendment regulations are passed by the Legislative Council, the new requirements will be effective from July 5 this year. The Transport Department will also specify by notice in the Gazette the updated design and construction requirements of the destination indicator and the fare card of public light buses. Prior to the amendment regulations taking effect, the Transport Department will enhance the publicity work to ensure the smooth implementation of the new requirements and due compliance by the trade.
Ends/Friday, April 17, 2020
Issued at HKT 11:00
Issued at HKT 11:00
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