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Drunken driving is already an offence under the Road Traffic Ordinance. However, enforcement of this particular offence is difficult since the legislation does not specify a limit for the concentration of alcohol in the blood and it does not require a suspected drunken driver to provide samples of breath, urine or blood for testing. For these reasons it is not possible to say with any accuracy the extent to which drunken driving is a cause of fatal traffic accidents, although of course there is circumstantial evidence to suggest that this is a factor. On the recommendation of the Road Safety Council, we plan to introduce legislative amendments correcting these deficiencies in the law on drink driving within the current session of this Council. The introduction of the new legislation will be accompanied by extensive publicity to warn the public about the dangers of driving after consuming excessive amounts of alcohol.
The Transport Panel of this Council has been briefed on our proposals. I am conscious of the need to do more to prevent reckless and careless driving and to enforce better road discipline. Certainty of detection and prosecution are the most effective means of changing unacceptable driving practices. In this respect, the Police patrols of expressways have increased and unmarked Police patrol vehicles equipped with video cameras will shortly be brought into service. These will facilitate the gathering of evidence to prosecute drivers. Also cameras installed at road junctions have proven to be a very effective deterrent against driving through red traffic lights. More of these cameras are being installed. We are also continuing our publicity efforts aimed at driver education, for example, using television API's, posters, and broadcasts in the road tunnels.
We believe that our system of driver testing is already very stringent. Nevertheless, I accept that it is now appropriate to review the situation and reconsider whether any special arrangements need be introduced in respect of young or inexperienced drivers. In this respect we are collecting data from other countries.
End/Wednesday, January 11, 1995
Prosecutions regarding smoking in public places
Following is a question by the Hon Man Sai-cheong and a reply by the Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Katherine Fok, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
As smoking is prevalent in certain public places designated as no smoking areas (such as cinemas and public light buses), will the Government inform this Council:
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(a)
(b)
(c)