Lift safety offenders could face a fortyfold increase in the maximum fine following a series of accidents last year.
The heavy fines are part of proposals put up for consultation. The government also plans to raise the level of qualifications for lift and escalator engineers.
The maximum fine under the Lifts and Escalators Safety Ordinance would rise from HK$5,000 to HK$200,000, with the maximum jail term, 12 months, remaining the same.
George Ling Kam-hoi, assistant director of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, said the move was intended to reflect the severity of the offences.
There had been 23 prosecutions in the past 10 years for breaches of lift safety requirements. Five were serious and the offenders were fined between HK$500 and HK$5,000.
'It is evident that the level of fines are not commensurate with the severity of the offences and therefore cannot impose the necessary punitive and deterrent effects,' Ling said.
Lift and escalator engineers will have to be registered professional engineers in suitable disciplines with at least two years' working experience.
