In the old days, a driver in the Force Transport Team was given the nickname "Tai Lai Fa", implying that, in addition to core duty, he had to co-ordinate transport services for all land Regions. To make sure they would get vehicles for escort or transport services, officers had to curry favour with those drivers.

 

Yet, those were things of the past. Nowadays, the Transport Team is striving to keep pace with an ever-changing society. A sergeant, who has worked in the Transport Teams of various Regions for over a decade and is due to retire at the end of this year, tells the changes the Transport Division and police drivers have gone through.

 

 

Automobiles, such as buses, have air-conditioning for the comfort of both drivers and passengers, particularly on hot summer days. But in the old days, police vehicles did not have such facility. To make matters worse, the engine was located next to the driver's seat. To cool the compartment, most police drivers installed mini-fans. In a hot environment, sometimes they could hardly control their temper, giving an impression of being arrogant.

 

 

During the Second World War, the Central Ordnance Munitions Depot was built in Deep Water Bay Drive, Shauson Hill. It was later converted into a Police Driving School.  The school was very primitive until the Police Driving and Traffic Training Centre was set up in Fan Gardens after closure of the Police Cadet School.

 

The Transport Division has been all along making improvements, having a fleet of the best and most advanced police vehicles, such as Benz 519 (VAN/L), Prius II and III (SAL/M), Brammo (M/C/S), Renault Fluence Z. E. (Full Electricity), and Coaster. To support the Government's energy conservation and environmental protection schemes,  the Transport Division has introduced the use of electric police vehicles.

 

 

A police driver must be familiar with the Road Traffic Ordinance, organisation structure of the Transport Division as well as police orders and manuals. A selection board will shortlist officers with good driving skills for a road test and only those who are successful in the test will be offered a job.

 

The Force's high and stringent standards require a driver to maintain a good driving record and drive prudently and carefully at all times. In the event of getting involved in a traffic accident, he will be suspended from driving for one shift. Bigger mistakes will lead to suspension for five days or more. A driver suspended for more than three months, regardless of any reasons, will be transferred out of the Transport Division. Upon resumption of his driving licence and successful completion of a selection exercise, he will be given priority to return to the Transport Division.

 

 

Last year, the Transport Team of Wan Chai Division was honoured as the "Best Transport Team" in a competition organised by the Transport Division. The assessment criteria included office tidiness, appearance,  cleanliness of police vehicles, overall grading given by RMTO and FMTO, co-ordinating ability, responsiveness and overall performance. The award is a motivation for the team members to keep on improving.

 

 

Maintenance of police vehicles, especially the brand-new models, is a complicated job. Whenever problems arise, the Transport Division will work with its partner, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD).

 

EMSD has been working closely with the Transport Division and offering quality services. We have expressed our appreciation in a letter to the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services for his staff's professionalism and outstanding performance.  This close partnership will help us enhance efficiency and performance.