License fee increase for old vehicles

The government plans to increase license fees for old commercial diesel vehicles older than 15 years, with the aim of accelerating their replacement, said Acting Secretary for the Environment Kitty Poon yesterday.

A more detailed preliminary plan will be advanced later for further consultation, including the implementation timetable, the types of affected vehicles and the rate of increase in license fees, she said.

Verification of sexual offense records planned

A verification mechanism for sexual offense records will be established in Hong Kong next year at the earliest, to enhance the protection of children from sexual abuse, said Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee.

The mechanism will allow employers and parents to run background checks on child-related job applicants to determine whether they have been convicted of sexual offenses before.

Considering the privacy of those who have committed sexual offenses, the administration won't adopt the practice used in some overseas regions of publicizing the name list of sex offenders and their personal community data.

Travel alert for Thailand raised to red

Hong Kong yesterday raised the outbound travel alert (OTA) for Thailand to red, which designates "significant threat".

Hong Kong people intending to visit these areas should adjust their travel plans, while those already there should avoid protests and large gatherings, warned Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee yesterday.

The OTA elevation came after the Thai government imposed the "Internal Security Act" in Bangkok and surrounding areas on Tuesday. Thailand's Red-Shirt protestors are ready to hold a large-scale rally in Bangkok this Sunday. The Thai authorities yesterday also warned that some 30 to 40 areas in Bangkok might be targeted for bomb attacks.

All Hong Kong tours to Bangkok have been cancelled from today until next Wednesday, according to Joseph Tung Yao-chung, Executive Director of the Travel Industry Council.

China Daily

(HK Edition 03/11/2010 page1)