LCQ20: No cyclists prosecuted for speeding

Following is a question by the Hon Chan Kwok-keung and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, at the Legislative Council meeting today (March 24):

Question:

 Will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the respective numbers of cyclists who were prosecuted and convicted for speeding over the past three years and the details of the penalties imposed by the court;

(b) whether those who were convicted and who also held vehicle driving licence incurred points under the Driving-offence Points System; if so, whether the authorities have assessed if the system is unfair to them; if they have, of the results; and

(c) whether it has reviewed the existing legislation that regulates speeding to see if there are defects in the provisions regulating cyclists; if the review results indicate such defects, whether the authorities will amend the relevant legislation?

Reply:

Madam President,

 In the past three years, no cyclists were prosecuted for speeding.

 In case a cyclist is convicted of a traffic offence which falls within the Schedule to the Road Traffic (Driving-offence Points) Ordinance, he will incur the driving-offence points specified for that offence.  The system is fair as it applies to all motorists, including cyclists.

 The existing legislation that regulates speeding applies to motorists and cyclists alike.  We do not consider it necessary to amend the legislation.

Ends/Wednesday, March 24, 2004