New penalty points system to target bad taxi drivers
Lawmakers on Thursday passed a bill that introduced a new penalty points system targetting taxi driver malpractices. Along with a separate bill passed on Wednesday that will bring in premium taxi fleets, the new laws are part of an effort to improve taxi services in Hong Kong. Under the new points system, those who commit any of the 11 offences, including overcharging and driving an indirect route would be given certain penalty points. They'd be disqualified from driving for up to six months if they accumulate 15 or more points within two years, and ordered to take a driver improvement course if they get 10 points or more within the same period. A few lawmakers, including transport sector representative Frankie Yick and the Election Committee's Doreen Kong, opposed the bill. They said the points system would amount to a double penalty for drivers because the offences are already punishable by existing laws. However, Chan Siu-hung, also from the Election Committee constituency said there is an urgency to raise the deterrence against malpractices. "The more serious 11 offences are included in the offence points – this is to crack down on this handful of black sheep, and it would serve a strong deterrent effect to others," he said. "For the majority of law-abiding taxi drivers, they'd not be affected by the offence points system. So there's no question of double penalty." Transport minister Lam Sai-hung expressed the hope that the new system can help build a better image for the taxi trade. He said the system will be implemented in nine months, during which officials and the taxi trade will prepare for the new rules. Lawmakers also proposed mandating the installation of cameras inside taxis, to help with law enforcement in case there are arguments or complaints. The minister said officials will study the feasibility of making the installation mandatory, and consult the trade next year.