Police-1963-1964 — Page 43

Ballistics Office

164. This office is responsible for the examination of firearms and explosives used in criminal cases, and for the removal and disposal of ammunition and explosives which come into the possession of the police.

165. During the year investigations were carried out in 12 shooting cases, and 12 explosions. 39 firearms and 144 explosive devices, some of which were designed for sabotage and were fitted with anti-handling features were seized. In addition 25 firearms, 88 bombs, grenades and rockets and 2,030 rounds of ammunition were found.

166. Expert evidence was given in 34 cases.

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PART V

TRAFFIC

VEHICLES REGISTERED

167. At the end of the year the number of registered vehicles was 75,384. During the year 11,537 vehicles had been registered and 1,725 registrations cancelled. Figures for the last 5 years are shown at Appen- dix 27.

DRIVING LICENCES AND DRIVING TESTS

168. An additional practical 'Intermediate' test of basic car control for private car drivers has been introduced. This test takes place between the initial written paper to assess the candidate's knowledge of the Highway Code and other rules, and the final practical driving test in normal traffic conditions.

169.

The new Intermediate tests were started on Hong Kong Island in June and in Kowloon in July. They are conducted in enclosed areas away from traffic. They last for about 10 minutes and are designed to eliminate the less competent learner drivers who previously would have wasted time and effort at final driving tests. The result has been sub- stantial reductions in the waiting periods for final tests, in the number of failures and in traffic congestion caused by candidates undergoing tests in the urban areas.

170.

On all types of vehicles other than private cars the driving test has retained its earlier two-part form, a written test followed by the practical test in traffic.

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