THE ENVIRONMENT
of factories or restaurants found emitting excessive noise to reduce it within a given period. In 1995, 1 890 complaints were investigated and some 216 NANs served, which led to about 87 convictions.
Floating Refuse in the Harbour
The collection of floating refuse is carried out by the Marine Department through a combined fleet of government and contract vessels. To further combat the problem, the government has explored the feasibility of both immediate and long-term
measures.
More refuse collection receptacles have been provided in specific source areas, while publicity and educational activities have been stepped up. The refuse collection service has been intensified in the harbour and its littoral areas. Relevant government departments have also stepped up enforcement action and the government is looking at longer-term solutions.
The Marine Department may expand and modernise its marine refuse collection fleet to provide a comprehensive collection service in a more modern and cost- effective way. Subject to the availability of funds, the new service will be implemented in phases from 1996 to 1997.
Transport
Large diesel vehicles are major contributors to territory-wide vehicle emissions. Government control strategies include up-to-date emission standards for large vehicles and tightened inspection and maintenance requirements for certain classes of vehicles.
Since April 1991, all petrol stations must have unleaded petrol on sale for cars with catalytic converters. The market share of unleaded petrol, which is cheaper, was almost 80 per cent by the end of 1995.
Pollution-control laws which became effective in 1992 require that all new vehicles of 2.5 tonnes or less must meet stringent emission standards. To comply, petrol- fuelled cars must be fitted with catalytic converter emission control devices and engine management systems. The regulations also require that all petrol-fuelled cars registered after January 1, 1992, must use unleaded petrol. Amendments in 1995 introduced more stringent vehicle emission standards for different classes of vehicles. Lower sulphur content automotive diesel fuel was also introduced into Hong Kong in 1995.
The existing scheme for reporting smoky vehicles was revised in October 1991. Smoky vehicles are now directed to take remedial action and to attend a designated testing centre to confirm that the smoke problem has been rectified. The 19 centres conducted approximately 36 000 smoke tests in 1995.
The government is also considering the eventual replacement of diesel-powered taxis, public light buses and light goods vehicles by cleaner, unleaded petrol- fuelled counterparts. This would eliminate a large proportion of smoky vehicles and contribute to much-needed reductions in health-threatening levels of air pollutants, especially in urban areas.
The economy's rapid growth in the past decade has led to a dramatic increase in road use. This has made road traffic noise one of the most pervasive forms of pollution in the territory. It is estimated that close to a million people are exposed to
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