The Transport Advisory Committee has welcomed Government initiatives to explore with vehicle manufacturers parking sensors or a video system that can help drivers reverse more safely.

At its meeting today, the committee discussed the measures to enhance safety of reversing goods vehicles. It is now a mandatory requirement for all goods vehicles to be fitted with an audible warning device that sounds when they reverse. Additional safety devices like parking sensors or a video system can further boost safety.

As not all devices are suitable for all types of goods vehicles, the Government will study in further detail whether and how to make it a legislative requirement to install these devices. The committee backed the move to explore this idea with manufacturers, and as a first step, to compile design and installation guidelines for vehicle owners, and to encourage them to retrofit their vehicles with these devices.

Committee Chairman Teresa Cheng said the greatest potential enhancement to road safety lies in improving the attitude and behaviour of drivers and pedestrians. Noting the Government has bolstered publicity and education in this area, she hopes the effort is made on a continual basis to have sustainable effect.