Transport Department launches publicity campaign on safe reversing (with photos)

    The Transport Department today (October 23) launched a "safe reversing" publicity campaign. Staff of the department went to the Western District and Kwai Chung Container Terminal to distribute publicity leaflets as part of the on-street education and publicity campaign.

     A department spokesman said that co-operation from drivers, pedestrians, vehicles owners and shop/factory owners was needed in order to ensure safety of reversing of vehicles.

     The spokesman said that there had been particular concerns about safety when goods vehicles were being reversed arising from the recent fatal accidents involving reversing goods vehicles.

     "To enhance road safety, we are stepping up our publicity and education efforts with a view to improving the behaviour of both drivers and pedestrians," the spokesman said.

     The leaflet was produced with an aim of urging drivers, pedestrians, vehicles owners and shop/factory owners to take appropriate action to enhance safety where there were reversing vehicles. The leaflet would be distributed through the department's licensing offices, Government carparks and public enquiry service centres of District Offices.

     Stickers with the safe reversing messages were being put on all goods vehicle parking meters and some private car parking meters in busy areas.  Stickers would be put on 4,000 meters over the territory.

     A radio Announcement in the Public Interest had been produced and was being broadcast to remind goods vehicle drivers of the need for safe reversing.

     Meanwhile, the Police and Transport Department would convey safety messages to the goods vehicle trades though regular conferences and seminars.

     The Transport Department had delivered talks to registered safety officers, who would prepare guidelines to remind their commercial vehicle drivers of the need for safe reversing.

Ends/Monday, October 23, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:20