XN000022-1996-06-27 — Page 66

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Legality of vehicles fitted with crashproof headframes

Following is a question by the Hon Cheung Hon-chung and a written reply by the acting Secretary for Transport, Mr Paul Leung, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Many vehicles (such as 7-seater private cars, light goods vehicles and light goods/passenger vans) are now installed with crashproof headframes after registration. According to overseas studies reported in the press, pedestrians who are hit by vehicles installed with this type of headframes may suffer serious injury or death. In view of this, will the Government inform this Council whether the installation of crashproof headframes on vehicles after registration is legal; if not, whether prosecution will be instituted against owners of such vehicles?

Reply:

Mr President,

There is no evidence in Hong Kong to suggest that the anti-collision bars installed on some vehicles are hazardous to other road users.

The fitting of anti-collision bars to vehicles does not constitute an offence under the Road Traffic Ordinance. However, if any anti-collision bar obscures the lights or registration plates of the vehicle, or creates sharp projections that may endanger other road users, the owner of the vehicle is liable to be prosecuted under the Road Traffic (Construction and Maintenance of Vehicles) Regulations or the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations. Any person committing such an offence is liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $10,000 and to imprisonment for 6 months.

End