The following is issued on behalf of the Transport Advisory Committee:
The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) was briefed today (April 29) on the proposed legislative amendments for allowing access to franchised buses for persons carrying compressed oxygen cylinders for self-medical use, as well as two road safety enhancement initiatives, namely a Road Safety Audit and a Road Safety Check.
As announced in the Public Transport Strategy Study Report released by the Government in June 2017, in order to further enhance "Transport for All", the Government proposes to amend the legislation to allow access to franchised buses for persons carrying compressed oxygen cylinders for self-medical use.
The TAC Chairman, Professor Stephen Cheung, said "Members of the TAC welcomed the Government's proposed legislative amendments to allow passengers carrying compressed oxygen cylinders for self-medical use to travel on franchised buses, without affecting the safety and normal service of franchised buses, with a view to facilitating their use of franchised bus services. Members also noted that to ensure smooth implementation, publicity would be stepped up before the introduction of the new measure so that passengers, particularly those requiring long-term oxygen therapy, would be aware of the relevant arrangements."
For the purpose of enhancing road safety, the Government has been implementing a Road Safety Audit for new road projects and road improvement works as well as a Road Safety Check on existing roads.
"Members supported the work to enhance road safety, and noted that the Transport Department has taken a precautionary approach in enhancing the safety performance of road projects through the implementation of a Road Safety Audit during various stages, including planning, design, construction and pre-opening stages. Road safety auditors will recommend corresponding road safety enhancement measures to reduce the chance of driving errors and mitigate the severity of traffic accidents arising from driving errors so as to create a safer road environment," Professor Cheung said.
The Transport Department and Highways Department will also enhance the safety performance of existing roads through a Road Safety Check. They will research the latest road safety development and technologies in other jurisdictions and conduct trials at suitable locations in Hong Kong.
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