Cabbies are almost there as demerit scheme set to begin

Michael Shum

Cabbies will start accumulating demerit points from September 22 as the new system comes into operation, the Transport Department reminded the taxi trade yesterday.

Under the system, those who accumulate 15 demerit points or more within two years will be prohibited from driving a cab for three months.

The Legislative Council passed the legislation after a heated debate in December last year.

"The system aims to strengthen the deterrent effect against malpractice by taxi drivers, combat black sheep in the taxi industry and enhance the service quality and overall image of the trade," a department spokesman said.

The system covers 11 offenses that affect service quality and categorizes them into three tiers, with harsher penalties doled out for more serious offenses.

Overcharging, refusing or neglecting a hire, refusing a destination and defacing, damaging or altering a taximeter are the most serious, which carry 10 points.

"Long hauling," deceiving passengers on the proper fare and route and soliciting or permitting another person to enter the taxi without the consent of the hirer are worth five points.

Less serious offenses - such as refusing to issue a receipt, refusing to carry the number of passengers required by the passenger or not setting the taximeter to recording position - carry three points.

"If a person is convicted of, or becomes liable to, a fixed penalty for a related offense, a respective number of points will be incurred," the spokesman said.

After incurring eight to 14 demerit points within two years, the taxi driver will be served a warning.

If a driver goes on to accumulate 10 points or more within two years, they will be served with a notice to attend a mandatory taxi service improvement course.

The driver must attend within a specified period.

"Failure to comply without a reasonable excuse is an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine of HK$5,000 and one month imprisonment," the spokesman said.

But any taxi driver who has incurred points can freely attend the improvement course and three points will be deducted from their demerits after passing the examination at the end.

A driver who incurs 15 points or more is liable to be disqualified from driving a cab. The disqualification period is three months for the first time and six months for each subsequent disqualification, he added.

"The department has been maintaining close liaison with the taxi trade, including briefing them on how the system works and reminding them to prepare for it," the spokesman said.

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com