Hong Kong lawmakers urge review of seat belt policy on buses amid complaints

Hong Kong lawmakers have urged the government to review its new seat belt policy on buses in six months’ time, 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 having difficulty adapting to the change.

Some residents told the Post that they were uncertain about the rule, while others said they had no time to fasten their seat belts when carrying heavy groceries.

Ben Chan Han-pan, chairman of the Legislative Council’s transport panel, on Monday noted hearing complaints concerning the tight cross-body seat belts used on public buses.

While he expected passengers to take time to get used to the new rule, he said authorities should exercise some discretion over seat belt use in certain circumstances during the policy’s initial phase.

“On whether there is leeway on trips along low-speed roads, or journeys with a few stops, I hope authorities can review the policy after some time,” he told a radio show.

“Half a year on, we will be able to evaluate law enforcement and compliance, and whether there are any implementation issues.”