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Members of the Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) today (October 20) discussed the measures to enhance safety of reversing goods vehicles.
"The greatest potential to enhance road safety and avoid accidents involving reversing goods vehicle lies in improving the attitude and behaviour of both drivers and pedestrians. We note that the Government has been stepping up publicity and education efforts on different fronts. Related safety messages are widely publicised in the form of radio announcements, stickers on parking meters, leaflets, seminars, talks, as well as on-street publicity campaigns. Specific training courses for goods vehicle drivers will also be launched. We hope the effort is made on a continual basis in order to have sustainable effect," the Chairman of TAC, Ms Teresa Cheng, said.
Noting that the Government will also review and monitor the road safety situations at cul-de-sacs in the older built-up areas and consider suitable traffic management measures, Ms Cheng said, "It is important that local circumstances and the views of the local community be taken into account in considering any measures."
Members also noted that it is now a mandatory requirement for all goods vehicles to be fitted with an audible warning device when vehicles reverse. Additional safety devices such as parking sensors or video system can assist drivers to reverse more safely. Since not all these devices are suitable for all types of goods vehicles, the Government will study in further detail whether and how to make it a legislative requirement to install these devices on all goods vehicles.
The TAC welcomed the Government's initiatives to explore this further with vehicle manufacturers, and as a first step, to compile design and installation guidelines for goods vehicle owners, and to encourage them to retrofit their vehicles with these devices.
"Everyone of us can contribute to enhancing road safety. We urge goods vehicle owners to take a step ahead by installing additional safety devices on their vehicles, and drivers to take extra care and to seek assistance, for example, from workers of the shop/factory to which their goods are delivered when they reverse their vehicles," Ms Cheng said.
Ends/Friday, October 20, 2006
Issued at HKT 20:02
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