Balanced For Cabbies To Have Up To Two Mobiles: Govt

The government said on Friday that it has balanced safety and practical needs in its proposal to bar drivers from having more than two mobile phones on their dashboards.

Deputy Secretary for Transport and Logistics Edward Mak was asked at a Legco meeting why the authorities don't completely ban the use of devices, for safety's sake.

In response, the official said the administration has made reference to examples overseas, where the use of mobile devices is not banned.

"We've talked to the [taxi] trade, [which said] one device is for navigation... and the other device is for real-time traffic information... Of course, some taxi drivers would use one phone for taking orders," Mak said.

"Let's take the first step and we'll monitor the situation. If it's not satisfactory, we'll consider making further amendments."

The current amendment would see drivers using more than two mobile devices when driving fined up to HK$2,000.

Those using devices with a diagonal length of display exceeding 18 cm, or who place devices in a position that obstructs the driving sightline, would also be subject to a fine.

Mak said the administration is confident that effective enforcement can be carried out, saying police detected around 25,000 offences where drivers used their mobile phones behind the wheel last year.