Hong Kong transport authorities will repeal a law that took effect on Sunday requiring bus passengers to wear seat belts, following strong public criticism and the revelation that the rule only covered new vehicles registered from late January.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan announced the U-turn on Friday, conceding that the legislation had “deficiencies” as it failed to reflect the policy’s intent of requiring all passengers 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.

Chan said the intent of the legislation was to extend mandatory seat belt rules that applied to 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 must wear seat belts,” she said.

Chan said the government would study ways to improve the law’s implementation, take into account views gathered from the public during this period, and consult the Legislative Council.