Transport minister Mable Chan on Sunday said the 12-year cap on vehicle age limits for ride-hailing services allows for more flexibility even under strict regulations, and will not affect current services.

The limitation is five years longer than the original cap proposed by the Transport and Logistics Bureau in July.

Speaking on a radio programme, Chan said the government would adhere to the curb that aims to promote safety and protect citizens' interests.

"We hope to not enforce too much and [place] too many strict limits on ride-hailing service drivers and vehicles that could participate in the government's plan, which may affect those that are currently providing such services [to citizens]," Chan said.

"They may lose their business [due to] not being able to provide services, and harm the interests of citizens," she added.

She said such vehicles are also required to go through examinations each year to ensure safety standards are met.

Chan said the government's proposal, gazetted on Friday, also aims to prevent the emergence of a rental market that may cause speculation and liability issues.

She said the move would also prevent illegal workers from providing ride-hailing services.

Under the plan, each permit is tied to one vehicle and its registered owner, who must be the sole driver.

Drivers also have to be at least 21 years of age, hold a Hong Kong permanent identity card, and have no serious traffic conviction records within five years preceding the application date.

The minister added that ride-hailing service platforms would also have to take on responsibility in monitoring whether vehicles and drivers operating under them have obtained the right licences, and that platforms may have to face criminal liability if there are any offences.