TAC briefed on Government's proposal to enhance requirements for physical fitness certification of driving licence applicants and holders
The following is issued on behalf of the Transport Advisory Committee:
The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) was briefed today (January 28) by the Government on the proposal to enhance the requirements for physical fitness certification of driving licence applicants and holders.
The Government attaches great importance to road safety and the physical fitness of drivers. In light of the ageing population and the increasing number of aged commercial vehicle (CV) drivers, the Transport Department (TD) reviewed the physical fitness certification requirements and mechanism, and put forth enhancement measures to further safeguard road safety.
At the meeting, the Government outlined the legislative proposals to tighten the medical fitness requirements. These include (1) enhancing physical fitness requirements by updating the diseases and physical disabilities prohibiting driving, with updated vision standards and additional items applicable to CV drivers; (2) more stringent certification for CV drivers by lowering the age threshold for submitting medical examination certificates from 70 to 65 and shortening the full driving licence validity period to one year to necessitate annual medical check-ups; and (3) empowering the Commissioner for Transport to require reports from any driver with dubious health conditions, with non-compliance potentially resulting in licence cancellation or suspension.
Members were also briefed of the Government's preparatory work in taking forward the proposed measures, including formulation of a comprehensive set of medical guidelines and new medical examination certificates, and the refinement thereof after considering the views of various stakeholders and the feedback collected from the trial health assessment.
The TAC Chairman, Professor Wong Sze-chun, said, "Members noted with appreciation the Government's comprehensive review and expressed views on the legislative amendment proposals. We support the Government's direction to adopt a more stringent physical fitness certification requirement for aged CV drivers, including lowering the age threshold to 65 and requiring annual check-ups. A more robust assessment mechanism is essential for enhancing road safety. The more frequent check-ups will raise CV drivers' awareness of their own physical conditions, and facilitate early treatment for those with remediable conditions, thereby extending the safe driving years of aged drivers and supporting the sustainable operation of the industry. Members fully support the Government in moving forward with the legislative amendments and stepping up publicity to ensure the industry is well-prepared for the new requirements."
The Government will continue with the work and plans to report to the Panel on Transport of the Legislative Council (LegCo) the results of the trial and the legislative proposal in the first quarter of this year, and submit the subsidiary legislation amendments to the LegCo with a view to implementing the new arrangements as soon as possible following the completion of the legislative amendments.
Photo source: reference image
LegCo Members visit Kwu Tung North New Development Area in Northern Metropolis
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The President of Legislative Council (LegCo), Dr Starry Lee, as well as members of LegCo Panel on Development and other Members conducted the third visit to the Northern Metropolis (NM) today (September 10) to gain insight into the latest planning and development of the Kwu Tung North (KTN) New Development Area (NDA), the efforts to conserve the ecology of and historic buildings in NM, and the Administration's measures to promote urban-rural integration.
Accompanied by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, and the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, Members first observed the construction sites of the public housing estate Kwu Chun Estate, several private housing projects, and the MTR Kwu Tung Station at the newly constructed Road P1 in the KTN NDA. They were also briefed by the Administration on the overall planning and development concepts of the KTN NDA, as well as the latest development progress of housing, transport infrastructure, and the Government joint-user complex and general office building in the district.
Members learnt that Kwu Chun Estate is among the first batch of public rental housing projects in the NDAs of the NM, with phase one comprising about 5 000 units that will be ready for intake in phases starting from the third quarter of this year. The Kwu Tung Station is also expected to commence service in 2027. Members exchanged views with government officials on the construction of community facilities, such as markets, shopping centres, public transport facilities and schools in the NDA, and urged the Administration to ensure that community facilities are in place when residents start to move in to meet the needs of local residents.
Members also visited the Sik Sik Yuen Lady Ho Tung Welfare Centre Eco-Learn Institute in Kwu Tung. Built in 1933, the Lady Ho Tung Welfare Centre provided medical services to local villagers until its closure in 2005. The Centre was subsequently accorded Grade II historic building status, and then revitalised into an ecological learning institute in 2023. Members toured the ecology and cultural history exhibition hall and the outdoor areas, which features facilities including an eco-pond and a Chinese medical herbs garden. Members were also briefed by the Administration on policies regarding revitalisation and conservation of historic buildings, as well as the revitalisation and conservation process of the Institute.
Accompanied by the Acting Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, Members also visited the Long Valley Nature Park and the nearby Yin Kong Village to learn about the Government's efforts to promote urban-rural integration and ecological conservation in the NM. Members noted that, to promote urban-rural integration in the NM, the Governmentproposed establishing a $200 million "NM Urban-Rural Integration Fund" as a pilot scheme to support non-governmental organisations to take forward urban-rural integration projects, as well as piloting the relaxation of planning restrictions on "Village Type Development" in Yin Kong Village, allowing houses within the village to be converted into restaurants, retail shops or guesthouses, with a view to boosting economic activities in villages and tourism development.
Members welcomed the Administration's implementation of various measures to promote integration of villages and NDAs when planning the NDAs in the NM. They exchanged views with the representatives of the Government on how to assist villagers in retrofitting their houses for engaging in economic activities, as well as the infrastructure upgrading works, such as transport and sewerage, required to cope with the additional economic activities.
A total of 64 Members attended the visit. In addition to members of the Panel on Development, other non-members also attended.
Click here to watch the video highlight of today's visit.
LegCo Members visit Kwu Tung North New Development Area in Northern Metropolis Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo Members visit Kwu Tung North New Development Area in Northern Metropolis Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo Members visit Kwu Tung North New Development Area in Northern Metropolis Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo Members visit Kwu Tung North New Development Area in Northern Metropolis Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo Members visit Kwu Tung North New Development Area in Northern Metropolis Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo Members visit Kwu Tung North New Development Area in Northern Metropolis Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
