HONG KONG: The Hong Kong government on Friday (Dec 8) gazetted the Electronic Traffic Enforcement (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2023 to establish a legal framework to allow police to issue penalty tickets against traffic offences or contraventions by electronic means, such as via SMS or email.
The Bill aims to effect the electronic traffic enforcement regime progressively in 2024, the Transport and Logistics Bureau said in a statement.
“The existing legislation does not allow the issuance of fixed penalty notices (FPNs) of traffic contraventions by electronic means,” said a spokesperson for the bureau.
One of the new initiatives to promote "Smart Mobility" in the government's Smart City Blueprint for Hong Kong, it will also allow the Transport Department to collect mobile phone numbers or email addresses from vehicle owners and drivers for the purpose of traffic enforcement.
Our target is to effect the electronic traffic enforcement regime progressively in 2024.
The government believes that such a move could increase traffic enforcement efficiency through the application of technology.
The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first and second reading on Dec 13, according to the spokesperson.
Police will launch a dedicated website and a mobile app for citizens to check their FPNs and settle such penalties via electronic payment.
“To assist the public in adapting to the new initiative, the existing mode of paying fixed penalties will be retained,” added the spokesperson.
In the long run, the new regime is expected to foster a better driving attitude, which is conducive to reducing traffic accidents and illegal parking, enhancing road safety, and alleviating traffic congestion.
Before the implementation of the new initiative, police will enhance education and publicity efforts to help registered vehicle owners and drivers better understand the implementation of electronic FPNs. - China Daily/ANN
