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(b) what measures will be taken to prevent the occurrence of similar accidents in the future; and
(c) of the reasons why, bus drivers should be held responsible for such accidents?
Reply:
Mr President,
Over the past four months, there have been three incidents in which wheels came off buses during service. A KMB bus was involved in the first incident and a CMB bus in the second incident, whilst the third involved a non-franchised residential bus run by Citybus.
In response to the specific questions:
(a) The 3 buses involved in these incidents were inspected immediately by staff from the Vehicle Examination Division of Transport Department. The findings revealed that the first and the third incident were caused by the failure of wheel bearings. The second incident arose because the nut-locking bolt on the wheel had not been fitted properly.
(b) Following discussion with the bus companies, agreement has been reached for the companies to revise their maintenance procedures to tackle this particular problem. The wheel bearings will be changed more frequently whilst bolts on wheels will be checked monthly. Training of technicians and quality control of maintenance works will also be strengthened. On its part, Transport Department is paying particular attention to bus wheels during regular roadworthiness inspections and daily random checks.
(c) It is for the Police to investigate traffic accidents and consider whether and whom to prosecute. In two of the incidents, KMB and CMB have been summonsed for "using a motor vehicle with fittings not in good and serviceable condition". In the CMB case, the Police considered that, apart from the bus company, the bus driver should also be held responsible and he was, therefore, summonsed for a similar offence.
End/Wednesday, November 29, 1995