Hong Kong’s transport authorities will repeal a new law mandating the use of seatbelts by all bus passengers, barely a week after it became effective, in the face of strong public criticism and the revelation that the legislation actually covers only new vehicles registered in late January.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan announced the U-turn on Friday, conceding there were “deficiencies” in the law, as it had failed to reflect the intent of the policy requiring all passengers travelling on public or private buses – including franchised and school services – to wear seat belts where available.

“In light of the confusion over the law’s coverage, we have consulted the Department of Justice for its legal opinions and found that there are deficiencies in the legal clause requiring passengers on franchised and non-franchised buses to wear seat belts,” she said.

She said the law had failed to fully reflect the legislative intent of the policy, which was to expand the scope of mandatory seat belt requirements from private cars, taxis and minibuses to cover all vehicles.

“For the sake of clarity, we will repeal the law as soon as possible so that there will be no statutory requirement stipulating passengers on franchised or non-franchised buses to wear seat belts,” the minister said.

Chan said the government would look into ways to improve the implementation of the relevant law, as she pledged to also take into account views gathered from the public during this period and then consult the legislature.