Amendments to road traffic regulations covering aspects such as vehicle maintenance, equipment safety and traffic controls were published in the Government Gazette today.

The amendments aim to align with international vehicle standards, developments in technology, and Hong Kong's road conditions, and are intended to enhance road safety and facilitate the application of new vehicle technologies in the city.

The proposals would require electric vehicles to be equipped with an acoustic alerting system, and vehicles with extendable aerial structures to be equipped with an over-height warning system. They would also mandate the use of child restraining devices in private cars, and enable the use of remote control parking function by drivers.

The proposals would also relax restrictions on information that can be displayed on a visual display unit when a vehicle is parked; allow camera-monitor systems as an alternative to conventional reflecting mirrors; allow electric commercial vehicles to travel on expressways without the need to apply for an expressway permit; and update requirements on lighting lamps, reflectors and the maximum overall height of a single-decker bus.

Views of stakeholders including the Legislative Council Panel on Transport, the Transport Advisory Committee and industry players were taken into consideration in the amendments' formulation.

They will be tabled in the Legislative Council on December 18 for negative vetting. All relevant information is outlined in the LegCo Brief issued on December 11.

The Government will continue to review international standards, technological advancements and vehicle operational requirements and update relevant regulations in a timely manner.