(b)
(c)
48 -
random inspections have been conducted during the past three years to check if there is any installation of anti-collision equipment in vehicles; if so, how many inspections have been conducted and what the results are; and
the Government will consider imposing a requirement that vehicle owners should obtain prior approval of the Transport Department for the installation of anti-collision equipment in their vehicles, so as to reduce the number of such vehicles?
Reply:
Mr President,
May I first clarify that the Administration has not commissioned any survey on this subject. The answers to the Hon Member's question are as follows:
(a)
(b)
(c)
There is no legislation governing the fitting of anti-collision equipment to vehicles. Government approval is not therefore required and, therefore, no records of the numbers of vehicles fitted with such devices have been kept.
Random inspections have not been conducted to check on the installation of anti-collision equipment. However, the Police may refer a vehicle to Transport Department for road-worthiness and safety inspection if it is suspected that anti-collision equipment has been insecurely mounted, obscures lights or registration plates, or has projections that constitute a danger to other road users. So far, records have not been kept on the number of such Police referrals, but the Transport Department is now establishing a database.
On the basis of information currently available both locally and from overseas, it is not possible to determine the effects of anti-collision equipment, beneficial or otherwise, in the event of traffic accident. While the Government has no immediate plans to require vehicle owners to seek approval prior to the installation of such equipment, its use is now being carefully studied with a view to establishing whether there is a need for more stringent regulation.
End/Wednesday, April 19, 1995