The Transport Department (TD) today (February 23) reminded registered vehicle owners, motorists and the vehicle trades that a number of new requirements will come into effect on March 1, providing convenience to road users.

     Following the passage of the Road Traffic (Construction and Maintenance of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulation 2024, the Road Traffic (Traffic Control) (Amendment) Regulation 2024 and the Road Traffic (Expressway) (Amendment) Regulation 2024 by the Legislative Council, starting from March 1, 2025:

(1) Requiring vehicles with extendable aerial structures to be equipped with over-height warning system

     All vehicles with an extendable aerial structure must be equipped with an over-height warning system before specified dates to improve vehicle safety. To ensure the trades' smooth transition, lorry cranes first registered before March 1, 2025, must comply with the new requirement on the vehicle examination date for licence renewal on or after September 1, 2025, while those with an extendable aerial structure other than lorry cranes, such as tippers, mobile cranes and aerial platforms, first registered before March 1, 2025, must comply with the new requirement on the vehicle examination date for licence renewal on or after September 1, 2026.

     The TD will formulate relevant technical guidelines on the requirements of installing over-height warning systems, and issue letters to relevant trades and owners of vehicles with extendable aerial structures that they shall comply with the requirements of installing over-height warning systems;

(2) Relaxing restriction on type of information to be displayed on visual display unit when vehicle is parked

     There will be no restriction on the information displayed on a visual display unit installed in or on a vehicle when its parking brake is applied (i.e. the vehicle is parked), so that drivers may better receive information. The TD will formulate guidelines on the technical requirements for a visual display unit. Vehicle owners may also check with relevant vehicle dealers or importers on whether the visual display unit of vehicle models can meet the new technical requirements;

(3) Enabling use of remote control parking function

     A driver may use a mobile phone or other telecommunications equipment to perform the remote control parking (RCP) function under specified conditions, enabling safe parking. To ensure safety, the safety performance of the RCP system must comply with the technical requirements set by the TD. Vehicles may only be equipped with the RCP systems approved by the TD. The TD will review and approve the RCP system during the type approval of new imported vehicles. For existing vehicles with the RCP system, the relevant vehicle dealers or importers are required to submit individual applications to the TD.

     The TD will formulate relevant technical guidelines and application procedures for reference by the trade. Vehicle owners may check with relevant vehicle dealers or importers on whether the vehicle models are equipped with the RCP system;

(4) Specified types of electric vehicles no longer requiring an expressway permit

     Electric taxis, electric private light buses, electric buses (including private and public buses), electric goods vehicles (including light, medium and heavy goods vehicles) and electric recovery vehicles with a minimum rated power of 7 kilowatts will be permitted to travel on expressways without the need to apply for an expressway permit. The TD will inform the trade of the types of electric vehicles that can be used on expressways. As for electric private cars with a rated power of not less than 7 kilowatts or electric motor cycles or motor tricycles with a rated power of not less than 3 kilowatts, they have already been allowed to be used on expressways without the need to apply for an expressway permit; and

(5) Other technical amendments

     The maximum allowable overall height of single-decked buses will be relaxed from 3.5 to 4.0 metres. The use of light-emitting diodes (LED) for lamps and direction indicators carried by vehicles will be allowed, aligning with the international standards. The TD will formulate relevant technical guidelines for vehicle lightings for reference by the trade and members of the public.

     A spokesman for the TD said, "The various new requirements aim to provide convenience to the public, enhance road safety, and promote the application and development of new automotive technologies in Hong Kong, keeping up with the international vehicle construction and maintenance standards."

     The TD will launch a series of publicity and education activities, and host briefings for the automotive trades concerned to introduce the legal requirements and relevant application procedures. It will also issue letters to local dealers of registered vehicle manufacturers and vehicle importers to remind them to take follow-up actions for compliance with the requirements of the Amendment Regulations. Vehicle owners may consult the relevant vehicle dealers or importers for details.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Yellow fire danger warning

     The fire danger situation today (February 23) is yellow and the risk of fire is high. People are urged to prevent fires breaking out and hikers should also be vigilant.

     â€‹The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) supported the Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble's concert, titled "Resonance of the Silk Road: Past, Present & Future Concert", at the British Library in London, the United Kingdom, on February 21 (London time).  

     The event commenced with a reception attended by over 50 guests, including representatives from the diplomatic envoys, the local business, academic and cultural sectors. The Director-General of the London ETO, Mr Gilford Law, delivered a welcome speech at the reception. Mr Law highlighted the cultural parallels between Hong Kong and Dunhuang as modern and historic hubs of international cultural exchange, underscoring their shared spirit of artistic innovation and cross-cultural dialogue.

     "The concert exemplifies the power of music in celebrating international friendship. Hong Kong's rich cultural landscape forms a solid foundation for its development into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, as supported by the National 14th Five-Year Plan. With over 7 000 cultural programmes held throughout the year, ranging from heritage-rich exhibitions at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, to globally renowned events such as the Hong Kong Sevens and Art Basel, there is always something to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide," he said. 

     The Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble has staged over 60 concerts in Hong Kong and across the globe, enchanting audiences with its unique fusion of history and music. Established in 2018, the ensemble features eight young musicians and two resident composers who create original works inspired by ancient scores discovered in Dunhuang, bringing to life the stories behind cultural relics through their performances.

          

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (February 22) that due to urgent maintenance works, Tuen Mun Swimming Pool in Tuen Mun District has been temporarily closed until further notice.

     The Hydrogen Zero Carbon STEAM Carnival, organised by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) and co-organised by the Education Bureau (EDB) and the Construction Industry Council – Zero Carbon Park (CIC-ZCP), is being held today and tomorrow (February 22 and 23) at the CIC-ZCP in Kowloon Bay. The carnival integrates educational elements of STEAM in an innovative and interactive way, showcasing the development prospects and potential application of hydrogen technology in all aspects and attracting the participation of young people.
      
     Speaking at the opening ceremony today, the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, emphasised that hydrogen energy is a promising zero-carbon energy source with a wide range of applications. The country has clearly positioned hydrogen energy as an important component of the future energy system. Young people are stakeholders in addressing climate change and promoting carbon neutrality. She hoped that students will deepen their understanding of the industry chain, safety and applications of hydrogen energy in Hong Kong through enjoyable educational experiences.
      
     The Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Poon Kwok-ying, said in his speech that the sustainable development of hydrogen energy requires not only the concerted effort of the Government and industry, but also the support of the public and the younger generation. To this end, the EMSD has arranged for engineers to explain technologies and latest developments of hydrogen energy to teachers and students. In addition, the EMSD has recently collaborated with the EDB to organise the HydroRace Challenge, allowing students to gain first-hand experience on the application of hydrogen energy. The competition received overwhelming responses, with the participation of a total of 67 secondary schools across the territory.
      
     Admission to the carnival is free. Activities include hydrogen-themed STEAM workshops, guided tours to the CIC-ZCP STEAM Lab, the display of hydrogen-fuelled street washing vehicles and hydrogen power generators, as well as booth games. For details, please visit the event website www.h2carnival.com.