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Government enforcement against unauthorised building works remains inadequate
Probe into driving license requirements for physical fitness certification
With an ageing population in Hong Kong, there will be a steady increase in the proportion of driving licence holders who are elderly. As a person's eyesight, physical strength, reactions and even cognitive abilities are likely to diminish with age, these changes may have an impact on the capability to drive motor vehicles.
While a driving licence is normally valid for 10 years, the licence held by a person aged above 60 but below 70 is valid up to the day before the holder reaches 70 or for a period of three years from the date of issue of the licence, whichever is the longer, and the one held by a person aged 70 or above is valid for a maximum of three years. Moreover, an applicant aged 70 or above is required to produce a Medical Examination Certificate completed and signed by a registered medical practitioner to confirm that the applicant is medically fit to drive.
The above requirements are applicable to applications for the driving licences of all vehicle classes, including private cars, light goods vehicles and commercial vehicles (Note). Preliminary inquiry by the Office of The Ombudsman revealed that the TD has suggested the scope of medical checks for applicants over the age of 70 to be performed by medical practitioners for completing the Medical Examination Certificate. However, medical practitioners are not required to conduct any specified medical examinations for the applicants before completing the certificate.
Ms Chiu said, “As the population of Hong Kong continues to age, an essential part of the Government’s promotion of road safety is to ensure that all motorists are physically fit to drive. A proper mechanism for physical fitness certification is particularly crucial. In this connection, I have decided to initiate a direct investigation to examine whether the TD has prescribed appropriate requirements for the physical fitness certification of driving licence applicants/holders, with a view to making improvement recommendations where necessary.”
To find out more about this investigation, visit the website of the Ombudsman of Hong Kong.
Examination of Government’s enforcement against unauthorised building works
On 1 April 2012, the Buildings Department (BD) implemented a new enforcement policy on UBWs in NTEHs, viz "categorisation for control and management, prioritisation for progressive enforcement". Enforcement actions against new and existing UBWs in NTEHs would be prioritised depending on their severity and risk level.
Ms Chiu said, “The new enforcement policy has been in place for more than nine years since 2012. However, UBWs in NTEHs remain pervasive, including new works, in-progress ones, and blatant existing unauthorised structures already identified by the BD for priority enforcement. As such, I have decided to initiate a direct investigation to examine the enforcement measures undertaken by the BD and the Lands Department and their effectiveness in combating UBWs in NTEHs, and will make recommendations for improvement where necessary.”
For more information, visit the Ombudsman's website.
Source: Office of the Ombudsman Hong Kong, China
