Hong Kong drivers will be banned from placing more than two phones on their vehicle dashboards starting January next year, the transport chief has revealed, as part of government efforts to improve road safety.
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In her weekly blog on Saturday, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan outlined measures aimed at improving safety, raising cabby standards and reducing disputes, as the government seeks to enhance the quality of taxi services and boost the city’s appeal to tourists.
The measures include a legislative amendment, set to be tabled next month, that will restrict drivers from placing more than two mobile phones on their vehicle dashboards while driving. This regulation will take effect on January 25 next year and apply to all drivers.
“This change is intended to further promote road safety … many people will immediately think of the phones mounted on taxi meters,” she said.
“The proposed amendments aim to balance road safety with the operational needs of the industry and technological developments.”
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Some of the city’s 40,000 cabbies raised concerns about road safety due to their habit of tracking numerous smartphones and devices while taking online orders and driving.
Currently, the Road Traffic Ordinance only penalises motorists for speaking on the phone while driving. Offenders face a maximum fine of HK$2,000 (US$257).