Hong Kong Launches Pilot Licence for Autonomous Vehicle Trials at Science Park

TD approves pilot licence for autonomous vehicles trial between Hong Kong Science Park and MTR University Station

The Transport Department (TD) announced today (July 15) that a pilot licence for autonomous vehicles (AVs) has been issued to approve an AV trial between Hong Kong Science Park and MTR University Station, in accordance with section 4(1) of the Road Traffic (Autonomous Vehicles) Regulation (Cap. 374AA).

The trial involves two light buses operating in autonomous mode, routeing through Science Park East Avenue, Science Park West Avenue, Science Park Road, Chak Cheung Street and Ma Liu Shui Public Transport Interchange. During the trial, a backup operator will be stationed in the vehicles at all times to take over control of the vehicle when necessary. The TD's pilot AV labels must be displayed on all pilot AVs for identification by other road users. Details of the pilot licence have been uploaded to the TD's website on AV trials.

A spokesman for the TD said that the Government has been promoting the development of AVs in an active and orderly manner through a multipronged approach by providing policy support, regulatory backing and financial subsidy. This project, funded by the Smart Traffic Fund, aims to develop 12-seat autonomous driving light buses suitable for road environments in Hong Kong. It will test the complex road environments such as roundabouts and a public transport interchange. Upon completion, the project will provide practical data to enhance autonomous driving technology in Hong Kong.

Driving and road safety remain the Government's top priorities. The Government will draw on practical experience to refine technical standards, share research findings with the industry in a timely manner, and implement initiatives to promote AVs in a prudent and orderly manner. Chaired by the Commissioner for Transport, the Autonomous Vehicle Applications Promotion Working Group will, in collaboration with relevant departments and the industry, review the progress of each AV project; provide steer on the trial locations, vehicle types and licensing arrangements required to support the commercial development of AVs; and explore appropriate regulatory arrangements to allow AVs to provide a certain degree of commercial services in specific areas on an individual pilot basis.

The TD welcomes interested organisations or enterprises to submit applications for a pilot licence for AVs. Upon receipt of an application, the TD will consider various factors, including the operational design domain and functions of the autonomous driving system, relevant national or international standards/guidelines, and the road testing conditions, based on the Code of Practice for Trial and Pilot Use of Autonomous Vehicles, before approval.

Source: AI-found images

Hong Kong Customs detects case of non-registered precious metals and stones dealer carrying out specified transactions

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (July 14) detected a case involving a local company that conducted transactions of precious stones valued at over HK$120,000, without registration under the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime. An investigation is ongoing.

According to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), unless exempted, any person who is seeking to carry on a business of dealing in precious metals and stones and engage in any transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in Hong Kong is required to register with Hong Kong Customs. Any dealer, other than a registrant, who claims to be a registrant, claims to be authorised to carry out, or carries out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 is liable to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.

Customs reminds dealers in precious metals and stones that they must obtain the relevant registration before they can carry out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000.

For the forms, procedures and guidelines to submit applications for registration, please visit the website for Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Registration System (www.drs.customs.gov.hk) or Customs' webpage (www.customs.gov.hk/en/service-enforcement-information/anti-money-laundering/supervision-of-dealers-in-precious-metals-and-ston/index.html).

Members of the public may report any suspected transactions involving precious metals and stones with a total value at or above HK$120,000 conducted without the required registration 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/).

Source: AI-found images