Transport Day 2000 to drive home road safety message
A large-scale transport carnival, the Transport Day 2000, which aims to drive home the messages of road safety and enhance the awareness of the importance of clean air quality among the public and transport operators, will be held at Victoria Park, Causeway Bay on December 3.
A spokesman for the Transport Department said: " Road safety and clean air quality are of great importance to road users as well as to members of the public and that is why the department continues to organise this meaningful event in collaboration with more than 40 organisations, particularly the Institute of Advanced Motorists Hong Kong."
The spokesman said that over the years the government had been actively committed to providing a safe environment for road users by implementing or introducing a number of new effective measures on traffic and transport.
They include preventing drivers from using hand-held mobile phones while driving; the probationary driving licence system for motorcyclists; requiring back seat passengers in taxis to wear seat belts; installation of red light and speed enforcement cameras.
In view of public concern over air quality for pedestrians, the department had been actively involved in the use of alternative environmental friendly vehicles and fuel and introduced pedestrianisation schemes in some areas to provide pedestrians with a safer, healthier and more comfortable street environment, he said.
"Besides this, we are also closely working with franchised bus companies on use of cleaner buses and efficient use of bus fleet," the spokesman added.
He said: "A safe, efficient, reliable and environmental friendly transport system depends on the concerted efforts and support by the public and various parties."
Featuring the carnival will be a rich programme of educational and entertaining activities including lion dances, game stalls, Police band show, panel displays, exhibitions on LPG taxis, traffic signs, police vehicles and environmental friendly buses as well as quizzes.
Admission is free. Members of the public are welcome to participate in the carnival which will be held at the football pitches of Victoria Park, Causeway Bay from 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday (December 3).
Officiating at the opening ceremony which will take place at 1.45 pm are the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Robert Footman; Chairperson of the Transport Affairs Panel of the Legislative Council, Mrs Miriam Lau; and Chairman of the Road Safety Council, Mr Peter Wong.
End/Friday, December 1, 2000