Traffic Branch launches PLB safe-driving project
As a joint effort with the public light bus (PLB) trade to promote road safety, enhance PLB divers’ awareness of safe-driving, and publicise "Project Safe-Ride", Traffic Branch Headquarters kicked off the "Public Light Bus Safe-Driving Ceremony" at Sau Mau Ping Road Safety Town on February 18. At the ceremony, 18 PLB drivers nominated by their trade for the "Outstanding PLB Drivers Award" were presented with prizes.
After addressing a large gathering of guests, Traffic Branch Headquarters Acting Chief Superintendent Ng Ho-chun and Transport Department Chief Transport Officer Simon Cheung joined Senior Superintendent of Traffic Kowloon East Mark Foster in declaring the PLB safe-driving project open. The project also marked the commencement of a territory-wide Public Service Vehicles and Goods Vehicles Safe-Driving Campaign, which seeks to make professional drivers more aware of road safety through publicity, education and law enforcement.
There are 11.2 million passengers travelling on public transport everyday, with 1.85 million or 17 percent travelling on PLB. Road safety involving PLB is therefore very important.
The Force, Transport Department and the PLB trade launched "Project Safe-Ride", a safe-driving scheme for PLB drivers, in March 2008. Following a trial in Kowloon East, the project was fully implemented throughout the territory, starting in November in the same year. To make PLB drivers more aware of safe-driving, notices were put up inside PLBs to remind passengers to report any driving misbehaviour or speeding on the 24-hour Police Traffic Hotline 2754-7668. Police officers act promptly on all the information received on the hotline, and take different courses of action depending on the natures of the information.
Traffic
Branch
Headquarters
Acting
Chief Superintendent Ng Ho-chun, Traffic
Kowloon East Senior Superintendent Mark Foster and Transport Department
Chief Transport Officer Simon Cheung officiating at the opening ceremony