Hong Kong’s government will launch a public consultation on requiring passengers to wear seatbelts on public buses, Transport Secretary Mable Chan said Friday, hours after authorities repealed a recently introduced regulation that contained technical flaws.
The repealed provision, introduced in late January without public consultation, mandated seatbelt use on buses equipped with them but applied only to vehicles newly registered on or after Jan. 25 due to drafting errors. It drew widespread criticism for its limited scope and strict penalties, leading to a quick suspension of enforcement before formal repeal.
Speaking at a press conference, Chan said her bureau would review current seatbelt arrangements and collect views from the public.
Officials will consider suggestions on whether different requirements could apply to different seats or to the upper and lower decks of double-decker buses, she said.
Chan said the consultation would help explore ways to improve seatbelt rules. The government will also invite experts to examine the design, installation and effectiveness of seatbelts while continuing public education efforts, she added.
