Delegation of LegCo Panel on Transport Explores Autonomous Driving Technology During Beijing Visit

LegCo Panel on Transport visits autonomous driving vehicles in Beijing

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

The delegation of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Transport continued its duty visit in Beijing today (September 4) to gain insights into the local legislation on autonomous driving, as well as the technology developments and market trends of unmanned driving.

In the morning, the delegation visited the Standing Committee of Beijing Municipal People's Congress for discussion and exchange on the development and legislation of autonomous driving in Beijing. Members hope to draw reference from the relevant statutory and institutional frameworks established by the Beijing Municipal Government, as well as its experience in implementing the Intelligent Connected Vehicle Policy Pilot Zone, with a view to offering advice and recommendations on promoting the driverless and large-scale development of autonomous vehicles in Hong Kong.

The delegation proceeded to Yizhuang Economic and Technological Development Area to visit Didi Chuxing to understand testing of autonomous vehicles in the afternoon. As the world's first high-level autonomous driving demonstration zone, Yizhuang features diverse application scenarios and digital technology support for enterprises to conduct simulation tests. Members rode in autonomous vehicles travelling through different scenarios in the area to experience the vehicles' performance in automatic steering and positioning.

The delegation also visited Beijing Innovation Demonstration Zone for Coordinated Development of Smart City Infrastructure and Intelligent Connected Vehicles in Yizhuang, and exchanged views with representatives of the zone on innovative developments in autonomous driving.

The delegation then went to Baidu Apollo Park to observe its research and development in autonomous driving, big data application and maintenance technology, as well as to understand the development of its autonomous ride-hailing service platform. Members took a ride to experience how autonomous vehicles navigate complex and heavy traffic at busy intersections. Members exchanged views with representatives of the enterprise on the development trends of autonomous vehicles, precision vehicle control and alignment with smart transport infrastructure.

The delegation will continue its duty visit in Beijing tomorrow (September 5) and depart for Hong Kong in the afternoon.

A total of 13 members and non-members of the Panel on Transport participated in the duty visit. The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, also led a government delegation to join the duty visit.

The Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Transport continues the duty visit in Beijing today (September 4). Photo shows LegCo Members and the Government delegation at Baidu Apollo Park in Yizhuang. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Legislative Council Panel on Transport continues the duty visit in Beijing today (September 4). Photo shows the Chairman of the Panel on Transport, Dr Chan Han-pan (right) and the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan (centre) experiencing the performance of autonomous vehicles across various scenarios. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

LegCo Panel on Transport visits autonomous driving vehicles in Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Legislative Council Panel on Transport continues the duty visit in Beijing today (September 4). Photo shows the delegation visiting the Standing Committee of Beijing Municipal People's Congress for discussion and exchange. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Conclusion of special inspection and enforcement operations on proper control of dogs

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced today (September 6) that the special inspection and enforcement operations on the proper control of dogs, conducted across various locations in Hong Kong on August 30, September 5 and 6, have concluded successfully.

During the three-day enforcement operations, AFCD officers stepped up inspections at public places where dogs congregate, and detected a total of three suspected cases where large dogs were not being securely held on a leash in public places. AFCD officers will follow up on these cases and institute prosecutions accordingly.

An AFCD spokesman said, "The special operation aimed to raise awareness among dog keepers to properly control their dogs in public places and to reduce incidents of dog attacks arising from improper control, while promoting the message of responsible pet ownership and explaining relevant statutory requirements to members of the public."

Under the Rabies Ordinance (Cap. 421), dogs in a public place must be held on a leash or otherwise under control. The Dangerous Dogs Regulation (Cap. 167D), even states more explicitly that large dogs (weighing 20 kilograms or above) must be securely held on a leash not exceeding two metres in length by a person when in a public place. Contravention of the relevant requirements is liable to a fine and imprisonment upon conviction.

The AFCD emphasised that properly controlling dogs in public places is not only a legal requirement but also helps safeguard public and animal safety. The AFCD will continue to step up routine inspections and enforcement, and appeals to members of the public to be responsible pet owners by keeping their dogs under proper control at all times. Members of the public who wish to learn more about the proper control of dogs and how to be a responsible pet owner may visit the AFCD website (www.pets.gov.hk).

Source: AI-found images