Hong Kong taxi drivers to face ban for failing to turn on surveillance cameras

Hong Kong taxi drivers will be banned from plying their trade if they fail to turn on internal surveillance cameras and dashcams, according to proposed legislative amendments aimed at improving the industry’s service quality.

Newly appointed Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan on Friday also ruled out subsidising the cost of taxi operators installing the equipment, saying the potential price tag, about HK$3,500 (US$450) to HK$5,300 per cab, should be manageable.

She told the Legislative Council’s transport panel that the latest proposals would require all taxis to install in-car cameras, dashcams and global positioning systems (GPS), in addition to mandating that all drivers provide e-payment options.

“It is a three-win scheme. It is good for passengers, good for drivers and can also enhance the reputation of the taxi trade,” she said.

Lawmaker Chan Siu-hung asked Mable Chan what would happen if drivers failed to turn on their cameras.

The minister said: “It will be like the taximeter. It is illegal not to use the taximeter to calculate the fare. So, if your taximeter is not working, you simply cannot operate and have to get it repaired first.”