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Police conducted a territory-wide operation to reinforce the wearing of seat belts on public light bus (PLB) yesterday (December 14) as part of ongoing efforts to encourage both drivers and passengers to protect themselves from injury.
The operation started in the early morning and ended at midnight yesterday and resulted in the issue of nine verbal warnings and 203 summonses to PLB passengers, as well as 18 fixed penalty tickets to PLB drivers.
Between January and November this year, there were a total of 988 traffic accidents involving PLBs, resulting in 1,647 casualties. An increase of two per cent and eight per cent respectively when compared with 972 traffic accidents and 1,522 casualties in the same period last year.
Police stressed that it is the passengers' personal responsibility to ensure that they are securely fastened to their seats by means of a seat belt where one is fitted. A passenger or a driver who is found not wearing a seat belt on a PLB is subject to a maximum fine of $5,000 and three months' imprisonment.
"The Force is committed to taking proactive action to reduce deaths and injuries arising from traffic accidents. Education, publicity and enforcement will continue to be used to enhance road safety," a Police spokesman said.
Police Report No. 17
Issued by PPRB
Ends/Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Issued at HKT 21:47
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