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How can safety on school buses be improved?
School bus safety? As I watch buses zip and screech their way to and from schools, I am amazed that there has not been a significant accident to date.
Even when my daughter is buckled into her seat, the belt is no more than a nylon strap that fits loosely around her waist. If there were an accident, she would most likely be killed by the belt rather than the accident itself.
Tests on seatbelt safety would probably back my fears on this issue.
The government may regulate that there should be seatbelts installed on all school and light buses, but they also need to regulate the type of belt installed and verify that the belts and seat size are appropriate for children.
All seatbelts should be equipped with pre-tensioners, and it is preferable that vehicles be fitted with three-point belts to prevent serious lumbar injuries.
Craig Gibson, Sha Tin
Nanny on the bus! I don't think a nanny on the bus is going to make a big difference in the case of an accident. It is the way the drivers drive!
The next incident is probably going to be a nanny who has suffered back/neck/head injuries because of the breakneck way the driver speeds off after a passenger is dropped off.
Ken Chan, Tai Po
Should taxi users be punished for seeking discounts?
It is difficult to punish perpetrators because of a lack of evidence about their demands for a discount.
Whether or not a discount is granted lies with the driver. If passengers really want a discount and drivers do not mind getting lower pay, there is nothing wrong with it. Taxi drivers can, of course, decline such requests. After all, the practice arises because of high taxi fares. If they were cheaper, I am certain I would take more comfortable rides without asking for better offers.
Ho Seung-kwok, Tsuen Wan
How can dogs be better protected against poisoning?
The Bowen Road walking path does not belong only to the selfish dog owners who do not leash and muzzle their dogs.
The path belongs to us too, mothers with small children. Every time I come across big dogs who are not leashed and muzzled - not unlike Coco and Tiki, who were poisoned to death this week - I get very nervous for myself and my small child.
Beasts are beasts. You just do not know when they will snap and what triggers them to snap, no matter how friendly they are.
Do stop for a moment and think: these owners are the real killers and not the person who laced the meat. They can blame themselves for being conceited. Now they complain because the poisoner has struck again - not because they and their dogs have been a nuisance to other walkers ... a real big nuisance. These selfish people do not have my sympathy.
A. Li, Mid-Levels
What should be done with historic pillar boxes?
The historic red pillar boxes have a better place to go - a museum. I don't see why people seem to love the past more than the intriguing, glittering future.
If the old post boxes are to be kept in service, maybe we should consider using banknotes from decades ago.
It is true that the past is what we were and should be cherished, but we have to move on. When time goes by, something must be left behind.
To protect the boxes and Hong Kong's past, but not to hinder our development, the post boxes should be kept in a museum.
Calton Luk, Kowloon Bay
On other matters ...
A few words regarding the latest study on electronic road pricing (A2, InBrief, March 23). The quoted 'transport official' and all the others better have a good think and look.
Motorists do have a choice - Eastern Harbour Tunnel and Western Harbour Tunnel. I recall that during the World Trade Organisation meeting in Wan Chai, there were hardly any traffic jams. What happened? Motorists took the other tunnels.
Government, please stop the 'smoke screens', we've got enough of those hanging over Hong Kong as it is.
Ken Chan, Tai Po
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