The number of drivers aged over 70 has almost doubled in just four years. File photo: RTHK
Ombudsman Winnie Chiu on Thursday urged the government to tighten medical requirements for older drivers, given that there are now so many on the territory's roads.
But exactly what medical checks they need to go through to determine their suitability for driving isn't specified.
An investigation by the Ombudsman has found that Hong Kong's requirements are lax compared to some other places, including the mainland, Singapore, Australia and Canada.
"In view of the ageing population, the proportion of elderly drivers is going to rise. People's vision, physical fitness, reaction and cognitive ability may weaken as they age, affecting their ability to drive," the Ombudsman said in its report.
"Given that commercial vehicles are bulky and they carry a large amount of goods or passengers, traffic accidents and collisions involving commercial vehicles can have dire consequences," the report said.	