XN000022-1972-10-24 — Page 11

11

LICENSING OF NEW TAXIS

Tuesday, October 24, 1972

The Transport Department announced today (Tuesday) that, in

connection with the 350 taxi licences for which tenders have been called,

only new (not secondhand) vehicles will be licensed.

A department spokesman said taxis cover a high daily mileage

and it is unsatisfactory that they should start their life in Hong Kong

in less than new mechanical condition.

Although secondhand taxis may pass an initial mechanical inspec-

tion by the Transport Department before licensing, the spokesman said, they

are likely to deteriorate rapidly, with excessive exhaust smoke.

**This measure will also apply to replacement vehicles in respect

of existing taxi licences," he added.

Release Time: 7.45 p.m.