Transport chief gives updates on legislative changes to medical examination for elderly drivers

已複製連結

Recently, public concern has resurfaced about the potential risks posed by elderly commercial vehicle drivers. 

Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mable Chan, said legislative amendments to the medical examination requirements for elderly drivers will be submitted to the Legislative Council by the first quarter of next year at the latest.

An 80-year-old taxi driver recently drove his vehicle onto the sidewalk outside a hotel in Tsuen Wan, killing a Filipino tourist.

Two years ago, the government proposed amending the law to lower the age requirement for annual medical examinations for commercial vehicle drivers from 70 to 65 and to increase the number of examination items. 

A consultation on the proposal has yet to yield any results. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said that the consultation process has been largely completed.

"We will identify areas that can be strengthened and refined, particularly regarding vision, such as glaucoma, which will require more detailed examinations," she said.

"Hearing ability is also important, so specific examination standards will be established. Furthermore, since elderly individuals, not just drivers but the general public, may also have chronic illnesses or take medication, their muscle control during reactions requires particular attention."

The authorities have proposed establishing a list of doctors to facilitate drivers' access to doctors for medical examination certificates. Initially, authorities are not inclined to restrict drivers to seeking doctors on the list.

Regarding the view that restrictions should be placed on the age of drivers of certain vehicle types, Chan believes that Hong Kong's aging population should be taken into consideration.

Chan noted that one-third of commercial vehicle drivers are over 65 years old. Therefore, a one-size-fits-all approach would have implications for social issues and their livelihood. Therefore, this issue requires careful consideration.