Three working groups have been established under a task force investigating the recent spate of taxi and minibus breakdowns, Deputy Director of Electrical & Mechanical Services (Regulatory Services) Frank Chan says.

One will examine the entire fuel-supply chain, another will focus on liquefied-petroleum gas stations, and the third will investigate the design, operation and maintenance of LPG vehicles.

Speaking after the task force's first meeting today, Mr Chan said a comprehensive trial is also being prepared. Twenty-eight vehicles will take part in the test from January 11. Two filling stations from each of the seven LPG suppliers in Hong Kong will be chosen to supply fuel for two vehicles at their 59 LPG stations in the three-month trial.

The vehicles will then be examined weekly for possible improvements and operation enhancement.