Proposed law for senior driver fitness checks to be submitted no later than 1st quarter of 2026
發佈日期: 2025-08-09 19:48
TVB News
A traffic accident involving an 80-year-old taxi driver has reignited concerns about the potential risks posed by elderly commercial vehicle drivers.
Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said the proposal to make medical examinations for elderly drivers more strict will be submitted to the Legislative Council no later than the first quarter of next year.
Just a few days ago, a Filipino tourist died after being hit by a taxi outside a hotel in Tsuen Wan. The 80-year-old taxi driver was suspected to have suddenly lost control of the vehicle.
Currently, commercial vehicle drivers aged 70 or above are required to hand in fitness reports so that they can renew their driving licences.
Two years ago, the government proposed increasing the target group to people aged 65 or older, and adding tests. But not much news about the bill has been heard yet.
Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said that the consultation process has come to the final stage.
She said the authorities are considering making some of the fitness requirements more strict, and body checks could also cover conditions such as glaucoma, as well as more detailed hearing tests.
She said a list will also be rolled out to help drivers find doctors for medical examination certificates.
Regarding the opinion there should be restrictions on the age of drivers of certain types of vehicle, Chan believes that should take Hong Kong's aging population into consideration.
Chan noted about one-third of commercial vehicle drivers in the city are aged over 65, so the government should be careful when making such regulations, which could affect their livelihoods and create social issues.
