News

First Day Cover Text for Government Transport

Special vehicles deployed by the government departments of Hong Kong always draw the attention of the public. They exemplify the professionalism, commitment and special nature of these departments in serving and protecting the community. Six unique vehicles from our disciplined forces are featured in this "Government Transport" series to demonstrate the diversity and complexity of the services rendered.

$1.40 – Correctional Services Department - Security Bus
The Security Bus is a specialist vehicle modified from a truck for transporting high-security inmates to and from prisons, courts, hospitals and other institutions. The Correctional Services Department has two Security Buses which were introduced in January 2003.

$1.80 – Customs and Excise Department - Mobile X-ray Vehicle Scanning System
Commissioned on 1 April 2004, this type of vehicle effectively helps Hong Kong Customs combat smuggling activities by scanning a 40-foot container in less than one and a half minutes. With its state-of-the-art technology and capability, each vehicle can be operated round the clock. Two such vehicles are currently in service.

$2.40 – Fire Services Department - Hydraulic Platform
This vital fire-fighting appliance, first introduced to the Department in December 1997, is equipped with a hydraulic platform, a built-in pump and a snorkel cage that has a maximum working height of 17.5 metres. It is designed for fire-fighting and external rescue operations and can work independently or in conjunction with other fire-fighting machines, such as serving as a water pump for water relays. The fleet of Hydraulic Platforms now stands at 15.

$2.50 – Government Flying Service - Super Puma Helicopter
The Super Puma helicopter was first put into service in 2002. It is perhaps the most sophisticated aircraft in the Government Flying Service as it is fully equipped for carrying out long-range search and rescue operations day and night in any weather. Fitted with a specially designed belly tank, the helicopter is also a fire-fighting aircraft. Three Super Pumas are now on call for operations under extreme weather conditions.

$3 – Hong Kong Police Force - Versatile Traffic Patrol Motorcycle
First adopted by the Police Force on 10 December 2004, the Versatile Traffic Patrol Motorcycle is mounted with the latest speed enforcement equipment and is easy to manoeuvre on Hong Kong’s busy road network. The 378-strong fleet of these specialised motorcycles is deployed to patrol the highways and byways of Hong Kong and is usually the first to arrive at the scene of traffic accidents, emergencies and 999 calls.

$5 – Immigration Department - Launch
This type of Immigration Department launch first came into service in 2001 to assume its main duty of enforcing immigration control in Hong Kong waters. There are three such vessels in the Immigration Department’s fleet, each 19 metres long and capable of carrying up to 22 people at a top speed of 15 knots.