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Letters | Hong Kong’s taxi drivers don’t need pity, but government action
Readers discuss the city’s taxi industry, and the safety of cyclists
Reading Time:2 minutes
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I refer to “Taxi drivers need our compassion” (October 2), which argues emotionally that we should show empathy for Hong Kong’s taxi drivers. Why?
Many Hong Kong taxi drivers place human lives at risk on a daily basis with their flouting of laws, in particular, running of red lights, the often substandard maintenance of their vehicles and their age – some simply no longer have the focus required to drive. Innocent people have died.
Your correspondent’s pity is misguided. Taxi drivers do deserve better and it is time for our government to show some backbone and strip the holders of taxi licences that have made them rich while imposing earning restrictions on drivers. Until that happens, the appalling service will continue, tarnishing Hong Kong’s reputation as a world-class city, adding to the mental health issues of drivers and continuing to place the safety of people at risk.
Mark Peaker, The Peak
Ban bicycles on busy roads
Whenever there is an accident involving a bicycle and another vehicle, the cyclist bears the brunt of the impact. Cyclists put their life at risk while cycling on busy roads.
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