'Public views to be gathered for bus seatbelt mandate'
Transport secretary Mable Chan on Friday said the government would launch a public consultation on requiring passengers to put on seatbelts on public buses. This came as the government repealed the legal clauses on such a requirement on the same day. Speaking at a press conference, Chan said her bureau would review the seatbelt arrangement and collect public opinions. Authorities would carefully review suggestions including whether different seatbelt requirements could be adopted for different seats, as well as for upper and lower decks, of public buses, she said. Chan added that a public consultation could allow officials to explore options to enhance the seatbelt arrangement. The government would also invite experts to look into the design, installation and effectiveness of seatbelts while continuing to carry out public education, she said.