In Brief
Taxi drivers apply for HK$2 increase in flag fall
Taxi operators have filed applications to increase the flag fall by HK$2, Taxi and Public Light Bus Concern Group-chairman Lai Ming-hung said yesterday. Urban taxi drivers want the flag fall to rise from HK$18 to HK$20, while New Territories drivers want the starting price to rise from HK$14.50 to HK$16.50. Lai said the applications were made because of rising operating costs, such as insurance premiums. The government said it would consult the Transport Advisory Committee and Legislative Council before the proposal was sent to the Chief Executive and Executive Council for approval.
Police arrest two for illegal road racing and seize their cars
Two drivers were arrested for illegal road racing and driving without third-party insurance after they allegedly raced each other in Yuen Long, police said. Police gave chase when two cars were seen travelling at high speed on the Tsing Long Highway near the Tai Lam Tunnel in Pat Heung at about 10pm on Wednesday. The vehicles were intercepted on the Yuan Long Highway near Pok Oi Hospital and the drivers, aged 23 and 26, were arrested and later released on bail. Police seized the cars, which they suspected had been illegally modified, for examination.
Five arrested over drugs
Police acting on a tip-off raided a flat on the Leung King public housing estate in Tuen Mun, arresting five people aged 16 to 23 and seizing HK$30,000 worth of suspected ketamine and Ice. Police believe the flat in Leung Ying House was being used as a packing and distribution centre for illegal drugs.
Woman in critical condition
A woman pulled unconscious from the water off Causeway Bay typhoon shelter at about 5.40am was in critical condition in Ruttonjee Hospital last night. Police found no identification on the woman, thought to be aged 20 to 30.
Drunk subdued by pepper spray
Police used pepper spray to subdue a 37-year-old intoxicated man after he attacked two patrons with an ash tray at a pub in Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, at about 3.30am. The victims, men aged 48 and 65, were treated for minor injuries at Ruttonjee Hospital. The attacker was arrested for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and claiming to be a triad member.
Girl hurt when hit by minibus
A nine-year-old girl suffered minor injuries when hit by a minibus while crossing Shek Kip Mei Street, Sham Shui Po, at about 8am. She was treated at Caritas Medical Centre.
