Taxi Drivers Vent Anger Over Penalty Points Idea

Around 40 representatives from various taxi unions held a protest march from Wan Chai to the government's headquarters on Wednesday over a proposed penalty points system for taxi drivers who behave badly.

Drivers could be penalised for a variety of undesirable practices, including overcharging, smoking in their vehicles or not having enough change for passengers. Too many points would result in their licences being suspended for at least three months.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Wednesday that officials would speak to representatives from the industry before any such system is introduced.

But Chan Tak-kueng, from the Motor Transport Workers General Union, said there are only a few bad apples in the taxi business and the government should increase existing penalties instead.

"There are already lots of laws to control all drivers, including taxi drivers. The government must punish those seriously overcharging taxi drivers. Only a few taxi drivers overcharge, but not many," Chan said.

He added that many passengers believe they get a good service from the city's taxi drivers.

The unions threatened to stage a slow-drive protest involving hundreds of drivers if the penalty points system gets the go-ahead.