Hong Kong’s security chief on Sunday defended the government’s decision to overhaul seatbelt regulations on public buses, promising that updated legislation will address practical concerns and make compliance easier for the traveling public.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung’s comments followed a Friday announcement that the government would temporarily withdraw existing legal provisions regarding the seatbelt mandate. Officials cited technical “shortcomings” in the current law that made enforcement difficult.
Speaking on a Commercial Radio program, Tang emphasized that while the legal requirement is being refined, the safety benefits of seatbelts remain indisputable. He urged passengers to continue buckling up voluntarily to protect themselves in the event of a major traffic accident.
“I understand that people have raised many practical concerns,” Tang said. “I believe that once we improve the legal clauses—how we are going to implement the mandate, whether we introduce exemption clauses, if we can enhance communication or require bus companies to improve supportive facilities—people will find it more convenient.”
The government’s retreat on the current rules comes after critics pointed to the logistical challenges of enforcing a mandate on high-capacity double-decker buses, where drivers cannot easily monitor every passenger.
Tang also issued a stern warning against recent reports of seatbelt vandalism. He characterized the act of cutting seatbelts on public transport as a serious criminal offense that warrants aggressive prosecution.
“Although it seems like just cutting something up is not a serious crime, I think such behaviour has a significant negative impact on society,” Tang said. “It is a challenge to the entire system and is an antisocial act.”
Authorities have not yet provided a specific timetable for when the revised seatbelt legislation will be introduced to the Legislative Council. For now, the government is focusing on public education and working with bus operators to improve safety infrastructure.
