The government recently announced a temporary suspension of the mandatory seatbelt requirement for bus passengers, citing technical shortcomings in the policy provisions. The rule will be refined before reintroduction. Secretary for Security Chris Tang stated in a radio program today (Feb. 1) that the police will not enforce the relevant provisions at this stage and will primarily rely on persuasion. However, he emphasized that it is an undeniable fact that wearing seatbelts can "save lives" in traffic accidents.
Until the government deletes the relevant clauses and gazettes the changes, the law requiring bus passengers to wear seatbelts remains in effect, but the government will not enforce it. Commissioner of Police Joe Chow earlier noted that no prosecutions have been made since the law came into effect. In the program, Tang mentioned that the government will address practical issues raised by the public and refine the legislation, including whether exemptions should be added and how bus companies can improve supporting measures. He expressed confidence that the reintroduced law will be more convenient for the public.
Regarding recent incidents of bus seatbelts being criminally damaged, Tang stated that such acts constitute criminal offenses, describing them as challenges to the social system and anti-social behavior, and authorities will deal with them seriously.
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