THE ENVIRONMENT
280
To deal with the problem of in-use diesel vehicles, the Government's policy is to replace them with cleaner alternatives and to retrofit those below the Euro I emission standards (i.e. pre-Euro vehicles) with particulate removal devices where practicable. Grants are being provided to encourage owners of the 18 000 diesel taxis to replace their vehicles with ones that are run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Since the disbursement of grants began in August 2000, over 16 700 diesel taxis have been replaced by liquefied petroleum gas taxis. In August 2002, a similar scheme was launched to encourage the early replacement of diesel light buses with LPG or electric light buses. A programme to retrofit pre-Euro diesel light vehicles with particulate removal devices was completed in October 2001, with about 24 000 vehicles retrofitted. A similar retrofit programme for pre-Euro diesel heavy vehicles started in December 2002. A new regulation was being prepared to make it mandatory for pre- Euro diesel light vehicles of up to four tonnes to be equipped with particulate removal devices.
Another motor vehicle emission control strategy is to tighten the control against smoky vehicles. A scheme for reporting smoky vehicles has been operating since 1988. All vehicles reported under the scheme must be examined at designated test centres to confirm that the vehicle owners have rectified the smoke defects. Under the scheme, 16 310 tests were conducted in 2002. Since September 1999, smoky goods vehicles of 5.5 tonnes or below have been required to be tested by a chassis dynamometer to check smoke emissions. From January 2002, the advanced chassis dynamometer smoke test has been extended to larger vehicles.
Apart from having cleaner vehicles and cleaner fuels, it is essential to promote mass transit systems that are pollution-free at street level. The Government has adopted a policy that gives priority to rail over road, and to encourage innovation wherever practical.
Control of Environmental Asbestos
Hong Kong has strict control on the use and handling of asbestos. The Air Pollution Control Ordinance bans the import and sale of the more dangerous types of asbestos, namely amosite and crocidolite, from May 1996. It also provides for the control on activities that might lead to emissions of asbestos dust. Anyone intending to remove asbestos except for asbestos-containing materials that are exempted - must engage registered professionals, and submit asbestos investigation reports and asbestos abatement plans to the EPD. The department also carries out regular inspections to ensure that any materials containing asbestos are handled and disposed of properly.
Ozone Layer Protection A Global Responsibility
Joining a global effort, Hong Kong has taken up its obligations under the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer. The Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance was introduced in 1989. Hong Kong has prohibited both local manufacture and import of substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons for local consumption. CFCs are commonly used as refrigerants in air conditioners and freezers, and halons in fire extinguishers. The EPD also sets a quota to control the import of hydrochlorofluorocarbons, which do less damage to the ozone layer. In 2002, there were three prosecutions for the illegal import of ozone- depleting substances, with fines totalling $40,000.