Buyers of modern cars expect to enjoy a wide range of sophisticated features that use the latest technology to revolutionise the driving experience. Electric vehicles are at the forefront of such developments.
But Hong Kong’s laws restricting the functions permitted in cars are lagging behind. No information other than that related to driving is allowed to be shown on the motorist’s visual display unit.
The use of a mobile phone to remotely park a car, a common practice elsewhere in the world, is also prohibited.
Such outdated restrictions threaten to hold back Hong Kong’s attempt to become a key testing ground for makers of electric cars and a springboard for them to reach the international market. They may also dampen demand for electric vehicles at a time when the city needs to encourage their use.
Government plans to relax restrictions imposed by the Road Traffic (Construction and Maintenance of Vehicles) Regulations, are therefore welcome, so long as safety remains the priority.
The Transport Department has already approved the use of advanced driver systems such as automatic parking, lane keeping and steering as well as cruise control and side-collision warnings. Many of these features are designed to make driving safer.
