VEHICLES EMITTING EXCESSIVE EXHAUST SMOKE (Number and results of prosecutions against offenders)

Mr J. F. Conceicao asked the Minister for Defence (a) what action is taken on information received from members of the public of vehicles which emit excessive exhaust smoke; (b) how many cases of prosecutions there were against owners or operators of vehicles emitting excessive exhaust smoke between 1st January and 30th September, 1968; and (c) what were the results of such prosecutions.

Mr Lim Kim San: Mr Speaker, Sir, usually on receipt of information from members of the public regarding vehicles emitting excessive exhaust smoke, action is taken under section 37 (1) of the Road Traffic Ordinance whereby the Deputy Commissioner of Police or the Registrar of Vehicles may require the owner of any licensed vehicle to produce his vehicle for inspection. At the time of inspection, a policeman is present and if the car inspected emits excessive exhaust smoke, a report is made by the police officer present and appropriate action is taken, whether or not an informant is prepared to give evidence in court. The police send an offer of composition of $20 to the owner of the vehicle. If the owner of the vehicle refuses to accept the offer of composition, a summons is taken out against him.

For the period 1st January, 1968, to 30th September, 1968, a total of 2,938 reports were made against vehicles emitting excessive exhaust smoke. In every case, the owners of the vehicles were offered a composition of $20. A total of 502 summonses have been applied for and are due to be issued by the Traffic Courts.