XN000022-1985-12-05 — Page 15

"HURSDAY, DEC

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APPLICANTS SHOUL APPROACH THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF THE SICERE BUILDING, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, TAKING ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IN SUPPORT OF THEIR CLAIM, IF POSSIBLE, THEY SHOULD MAKE AN APPOINTMENT BY TELEPHONING 5-457036 EXTENSION 206,

THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT EVEN THOSE WHO HAVE GLAIMS AGAINST THE INSURANCE COMPANIES OR INSURED DRIVERS PENDING WITH THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID OR WITH PRIVATE SOLICITORS, MUST STILL APPLY UNDER THE TERMS OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEME IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR PAYMENT.

WHERE AN INSURED DRIVER HAS PERSONALLY PAID A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIM ALL OR A PART OF DAMAGES AWARDED BY THE COURT, THE ACCIDENT VICTIM WILL BE REQUIRED TO REIMBURSE FULLY THE INSURED DRIVER FROM THE PAYMENT HE HAS RECEIVED UNDER THE SCHEME.

THIS SUPPLEMENT TO THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME COMPLEMENTS THE AGREEMENT SIGNED BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE MOTOR INSURERS' BUREAU (MIB) ON NOVEMBER 1. UNDER THIS AGREEMENT THE MIB UNDERTOOK TO ESTABLISH AND OPERATE AN INSOLVENCY FUND TO PROVIDE PROTECTION AGAINST THE INSOLVENCY OF ANY MOTOR INSURER WHICH MAY OCCUR IN THE FUTURE.

UNDER THIS SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEME FINANCIAL PROTECTION IS AVAILABLE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS AFFECTED BY INSURERS WHO ARE NOW INSOLVENT.

TAKEN TOGETHER, THESE TWO SCHEMES PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE OF FINANCIAL PROTECTION AND COMPENSATION FOR THE UNFORTUNATE VICTIMS OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS WHO, THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN, ARE UNABLE TO RECOVER ANY OF THE DAMAGES DUE TO THEM BECAUSE THE INSURER CONCERNED HAS BECOME INSOLVENT.

ANNUAL INSPECTION FOR PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES

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PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES MANUFACTURED BEFORE 1983 WHICH REQUIRE A NEW LICENCE ON OR AFTER APRIL 1 NEXT YEAR WILL BE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO VEHICLE INSPECTION PRIOR TO RE-LICENSING.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE MEASURE WOULD COME INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 2, 1986 AND WOULD INCLUDE THOSE LIGHT BUSES PROVIDING SCHOOL SERVICES.

PRIVATE CARS AND CONTRACT HIRE CARS COME UNDER THE PRIVATE CAR INSPECTION SCHEME ANNOUNCED ON NOVEMBER 28,

THERE ARE CURRENTLY 2 100 PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES WITH BETWEEN EIGHT AND 14 SEATS, OF WHICH 1 444 ARE LICENSED TO CARRY STUDENTS.

OWNERS OF PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES THAT WILL BE AFFECTED ARE ADVISED TO PRESENT THE IR VEHICLES FOR INSPECTION AT THE KOWLOON BAY VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE AT CHEUNG YIP STREET.

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