ENG-2003 — Page 311

TRANSPORT

improvement course. A driver is allowed to join a driving improvement course voluntarily and the courts are also empowered to direct drivers who have committed relevant offences to attend the course. A driver will have three driving-offence points deducted from his/her total driving-offence points already incurred, subject to satisfactory completion of the course and issue of a certificate by one of the designated driving improvement schools.

From September 2002 to December 2003, nearly 2 000 drivers had attended the driving improvement course. The feedback from the course participants was encouraging and positive. They found the course useful in improving driving practices and fostering good driving attitudes. Statistics also showed that about 80 per cent of the participants did not incur new driving-offence points within six months of the completion of the course, reflecting its usefulness.

Computerisation of Written Test

To provide better customer service and to streamline arrangements concerning the written test that is part of the procedure for obtaining a driving licence, the Transport Department computerised the written test from October 20. Under the new user- friendly environment, candidates will know their results as soon as they have. completed the written test, and successful applicants will be able to make appointments for road tests in 15 minutes. The average waiting time for taking written tests has been shortened from 40 days to 30 days.

Vehicle Examination

Vehicles are examined to ensure that they are roadworthy and properly maintained. Compulsory annual inspection applies to all public service vehicles, goods vehicles and trailers. In 2003, 195 900 vehicles were examined at the four government vehicle examination centres. Private cars over six years old and light goods vehicles not exceeding 1.9 tonnes are inspected annually at 23 designated car testing centres. operated by the private sector. These centres conducted 148 300 vehicle examinations during the year. In addition, 3 594 spot checks were conducted on franchised buses to ensure their safety, roadworthiness and service standards.

A chassis dynamometer has been installed in the Kowloon Bay Vehicle Examination. Centre to perform random checks of smoke emissions from loaded diesel vehicles. Another chassis dynamometer will be installed in the same Vehicle Examination Centre in 2004.

New vehicle models imported into Hong Kong are required to undergo type approval to ensure their compliance with the relevant statutory requirements. In 2003, 449 vehicle types were approved. To facilitate type approval application by authorised vehicle dealers, a 'one-stop' approval service was implemented in July. In the past, applicants had to submit applications separately to the Transport Department, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and Environment Protection Department. The 'one-stop' mechanism now enables dealers to make a single submission to the Transport Department, greatly simplifying the application process. Booking of examination appointments on the Internet has been extended to include trailers, and electronic payment is now possible at all vehicle examination centres, providing additional convenience for users. Vehicle Appointment Status Display Systems have been installed at the New Kowloon Bay Vehicle Examination Centre, Kowloon Bay Vehicle Examination Centre and To Kwa Wan Vehicle Examination.

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