Taxi driver "phone array" raises safety concerns

A serious taxi accident on Kwong Fuk Road in Tai Po last month claimed two lives. The 63-year-old taxi driver involved was charged with manslaughter.

The safety issue of taxis, which has been criticized, has once again aroused social concern.

The Secretary for Transport and Housing, Chen Fanjin (8th), in response to questions from Members in the Legislative Council, pointed out that the authorities are studying legislation to regulate the number of mobile phones placed by drivers on the front of vehicles. This is the same as the response of the Bureau 7 years ago, but he Refusal to provide a specific timetable, only saying that "we can only promise to return to (the Legislative Council) for discussion when there are preliminary results and suggestions."

Many MPs questioned the government's lack of positive attitude.

▼8.22 Serious taxi accident on Kwong Fuk Road, Tai Po▼

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In response to a question from the DAB Legislative Council Member Chen Hengpin this afternoon, Chen Fan said that the Hong Kong Government is aware of the community’s concern that taxi drivers have placed multiple telephones on the dashboard, but understands that it is necessary for drivers to use telephones and other devices to navigate, or pay attention to real-time navigation. Information on traffic and parking spaces.

Chen emphasized that although the prerequisite for regulating the number of phones on the dashboard is road safety, it must also take into account the needs of the road, and worry that once restrictions are imposed, drivers may switch applications on the same phone, which will also cause traffic accidents.

He reiterated that the Transport Department is studying this issue. In response to the technological development of mobile phones and vehicle equipment, as well as changes in usage habits, the number and location of phones placed by drivers and the mode of use of devices are considered by the authorities. Refer to relevant laws and practices of other countries.

Looking at the information, the shipping and transportation industry councillor Yi Zhiming raised a question to the Transport and Housing Bureau on the same issue as early as 2014. The authorities have stated that they will study the issue of legislation for taxi drivers to place phones.

Only 7 years have passed without any progress.

During the questioning period, Chen Fan was repeatedly asked about the research progress and the specific timetable for the regulation of legislation. He did not respond positively, saying only that "only promised to return to discussion when there are preliminary results and suggestions. Before that, I will also maintain communication with the industry."

Chen Fan also said that he does not want the public to focus solely on taxi drivers. He emphasized that once legislation is enacted, not only taxis will be regulated, but commercial vehicles and private cars will not be spared.

Chen Fan: Research to provide better taxi services, including reconsidering the establishment of franchised taxis

As for whether the authorities will re-examine the implementation of the quality taxi service plan, Chen Fan said that some taxi operators have strengthened the training of taxi drivers, and will reprimand the relevant drivers after receiving complaints to enhance the quality and professional image of taxis.

The Hong Kong Government is also carefully studying how to provide better quality taxi services to passengers through fleet management, including reconsidering the "Franchised Taxi Services Bill" that was withdrawn in November last year.

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The penalties for illegally fetching passengers are being reviewed and submitted to the Legislative Council for deliberation in due course

As for the problem of illegal passenger transportation, which has been criticized by the taxi industry.

Chen Fan pointed out that the police closely monitor the relevant violations by collecting intelligence, investigating and following up complaints, and will take action if they find sufficient evidence.

He also pointed out that the Transport Department is reviewing the penalties for illegally taking passengers, including increasing the penalties and extending the period for revocation of license plates. The amendment is now underway and will be submitted to the Legislative Council for deliberation in due course.

Chen Fan also encouraged the public to use the Transport Department's online system to check the permits of the relevant vehicle before boarding to ensure safety.

Yi Zhiming, Chen Hengpin, etc. successively questioned the timetable for the amendment, but he also did not respond positively.

The intelligent fleet management system helps reduce the number of taxis by 60% in accidents with camcorders installed in taxis or infringing on personal privacy and crashing into red light taxis and causing two deaths, including the former girlfriend of a commercial DJ, a truck driver convicted and imprisoned by a taxi driver in March. Drivers born in the 1980s with 13 phones in the front of the car crashed because of the App: they hit two generations of taxi drivers for half a second. The problem of the industry was dismantled in the golden age. How close is the elderly driver’s accident to a car accident on Kwong Fuk Road, Tai Po | Taxi driver accused of dangerous driving causing death due to fever absent from hearing

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