Safety assurance: Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works (Transport) Joshua Law (third from right) joins other guests to launch the voluntary registration scheme for mechanics.

The Government has introduced a voluntary registration scheme for mechanics to strengthen public confidence in the vehicle maintenance trade.

For registered mechanics to continuously advance their specialised skills and competence, each registration is valid for three years and renewal requires a minimum of 20 hours of continuing professional development within the previous registration period.

A review of the voluntary scheme is scheduled for 2008 to decide on the introduction of mandatory registration.

Officiating at the scheme's launch today, Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works (Transport) Joshua Law described it as a milestone in the professional development of the vehicle maintenance trade.

Mr Law noted that the scheme had received the trade's active participation and support throughout the process of planning, consultation, design and implementation.

Advisory body to exchange views with trade reps

The Government has formed a Vehicle Maintenance Technical Advisory Committee to exchange views on the design and details of the scheme with representatives from trade associations and professional bodies.

There are three primary service classes for registration - mechanical, electrical and body.

Sub-classes cater for the differences in techniques and standards required for repairing vehicles of different types, engines and equipment.