TD's Autonomous Vehicle Applications Promotion Working Group Convenes Second Meeting

TD's Autonomous Vehicle Applications Promotion Working Group convenes second meeting

The Commissioner for Transport, Miss Winnie Tse, today (June 29) chaired the second meeting of the Autonomous Vehicle Applications Promotion Working Group, bringing together experts, industry stakeholders and interdepartmental representatives to continue advancing the transition of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology from the research and development testing phase to actual operation.

At the meeting, members were first briefed on the progress of trials approved with an AV pilot licence so far, and examined the necessary support and co-ordination efforts for each project. Members were also introduced by a pilot proprietor to the road tests and operation of a remote control centre prior to driverless operation.

In addition, the Working Group discussed the special study on "how to promote AV development and popularisation"; explored opportunities for autonomous driving development in the Northern Metropolis, and members provided views on introducing different scenarios for autonomous driving trials and applications. The meeting also followed up on directions for enhancing the Code of Practice for Trial and Pilot Use of Autonomous Vehicles, and discussed public education activities to promote autonomous driving in the community.

Miss Tse said, "The Government will continue to adopt a multipronged approach through policy support, regulatory backing and financial subsidy. Drawing on the local, Mainland and overseas practical experiences of AVs, we will adhere to the principles of ensuring safety, facilitating the industry, optimising technologies and managing risks. We will promote and scale up the safe driverless development of AVs in a proactive and orderly manner towards commercial operation, further integrating digital technologies and artificial intelligence into public transport."

The Working Group will monitor the progress of various AV trials, oversee the trial and application of AV or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) initiatives, and strengthen publicity and public education to enhance public understanding of autonomous driving. A sub-committee has been set up under the Working Group to provide technical support on AV and V2X projects.

The Commissioner for Transport, Miss Winnie Tse (second right), today (June 29) chaired the second meeting of the Autonomous Vehicle Applications Promotion Working Group, bringing together experts, industry stakeholders and interdepartmental representatives to continue advancing the transition of autonomous vehicle technology from the research and development testing phase to actual operation. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Commissioner for Transport, Miss Winnie Tse, today (June 29) chaired the second meeting of the Autonomous Vehicle Applications Promotion Working Group, bringing together experts, industry stakeholders and interdepartmental representatives to continue advancing the transition of autonomous vehicle technology from the research and development testing phase to actual operation. Photo shows Miss Tse (front row, centre) and Working Group members. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected dangerous drugs worth over $5 million

Hong Kong Customs on August 30 seized about 13 kilograms of suspected ketamine, with an estimated market value of over $5 million, at Hong Kong International Airport.

Through risk assessment, Customs on that day inspected an air parcel, declared as swimming pool sanitisers, arriving in Hong Kong from Spain via France. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected ketamine inside four plastic buckets in the parcel.

After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers conducted a controlled delivery operation yesterday (August 31) and arrested a 23-year-old local man suspected to be connected to the case in Kwai Chung.

The arrested person has been charged with one count of attempting to traffic in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Court tomorrow (September 2).

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account(crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected dangerous drugs worth over $5 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases