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The following is issued on behalf of the Road Safety Council:
A territory-wide publicity campaign was launched today (January 10) to enhance road safety awareness among the public light bus (PLB) sector and other road users, and to commend safe PLB drivers.
The campaign is organised by the Road Safety Council and the Transport Department.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, the Chairman of the Road Safety Campaign Committee, Mr Lawrence Yu, hoped the campaign would encourage safe driving practices among PLB drivers.
He said it was the Road Safety Council's ongoing initiative to have a safe road environment, minimise accidents and safeguard the lives of all road users.
Also speaking at the launching ceremony, Assistant Commissioner for Transport, Mr Don Ho, said measures were in place to step up driver training, enhance drivers' professional conduct and foster a culture of quality service in the PLB sector. Appropriate devices and information were also provided on PLBs to enable passengers to help monitor the service quality.
The Chairlady of the campaign's preparatory committee, Mrs Grace Lam, invited PLB associations, trade associations and service providers to nominate full-time PLB drivers to participate in the campaign on or before February 15, 2006. Application forms are available at the offices of these organisations and the Transport Department.
Participants will do a quiz and write a short essay on PLB safety. Spot checks will be conducted on 30 selected semi-finalists to assess their safety behaviour and service quality. Ten finalists will be selected and interviewed on safe driving experiences. Results will be announced around May, 2006.
Cash prizes of $5,000, $2,000 and $1,000 will be awarded with the 30 semi-finalists also entitled to a free four-day study tour to Singapore on safe driving.
Ends/Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Issued at HKT 15:50
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