Penalties for jumping red lights may soon be toughened to create a stronger deterrent effect in Hong Kong.

According to a government press release, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government proposes to increase the driving offense points penalty from three to five, and bring the fixed penalty from 450 HK dollars (US$57.69) to 600 HK dollars (US$76.82).

In February the government commissioned the University of Hong Kong to conduct an opinion poll. Most respondents felt the government should increase the penalties.

It intends to submit the proposal at the Legislative Council in May or June.

According to Hong Kong's Driving-Offence Points System, if one has incurred 15 or more points in respect of offenses committed within two years, he could be disqualified by a court form holding or obtaining a driving license for months.

(Xinhua News Agency April 12, 2005)