Hong Kong lawmakers have urged authorities to review issues with a new seat belt policy on buses six months into its launch, including a suggestion that operators use lap belts in certain vehicles offering short-haul rides to make it easier for passengers to alight.
A day after the regulation for public and private buses took effect, passengers reported difficulties in adapting to the change. Some residents told the Post that they were unclear about the rule, while others said they had no time to fasten their seat belts while handling heavy groceries.
Ben Chan Han-pan, chairman of the Legislative Council’s transport panel, said on Monday he noted complaints concerning tight crossbody seat belts on public buses.
While he expected passengers to take time to get used to the new rule, he said authorities should allow some discretion regarding seat belt use in certain circumstances during the policy’s initial phase.
“On whether there is leeway on trips taking place on low speed roads, or journeys with a few stops, I hope authorities can review the policy after a while,” he told a radio show.
“Half a year on, we will be able to evaluate law enforcement and compliance, and whether there are any issues with implementation.”
Local media had reported that passengers were frustrated by the need to unfasten their seat belts shortly after strapping in on short bus rides and having to buckle up multiple times during a journey to accommodate fellow passengers.
