The major objectives of traffic policing are to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured in traffic accidents; change the irresponsible behaviour of road users that obstructs traffic flow; and address issues of community concern centred on irresponsible road user behaviour. A multi-agency and three ‘E’s approach is adopted to achieve casualty reduction and improve traffic flow on our roads. The three ‘E’s are Engineering, Engagement and Enforcement. Selected Traffic Enforcement Priorities (STEP) focuses on traffic enforcement actions according to the latest traffic accidents and traffic violations trends.

In regards of STEP 2020 published in April, enforcement against illegal use of electric mobility devices (EMDs) was newly added in response to the increasing popularity of EMDs and the recent fatal traffic accidents in relation to the use of EMDs. The inclusion of the “Smart Use of STEP” allows frontline officers to better understand and plan STEP operations aiming for the best outcome.

During the Easter holidays between April 10 and 13, enforcement actions were conducted against illegal use of EMDs. Eleven males and two females were arrested while eight electric scooters, two electric bicycles, two electric tricycles and one electric unicycle were seized. Chief Inspector of Traffic New Territories South Chong Kam-yan said that most of the arrested persons knew using EMDs on motorways, pedestrian paths and cycling tracks is illegal but they violated the law for convenience sake.

Members of the public are reminded from time to time through different channels that using EMDs on motorways, pedestrian paths and cycling tracks is illegal and may contravene the Road Traffic Ordinance and other relevant legislations.

Traffic Branch Headquarters will arrange briefing sessions on STEP 2020 to frontline commanders and staff associations. Publicity materials are available on Police Intranet (POINT) for officers’ reference.