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Emissions from diesel-powered public buses
Following is a question by the Hon Henry Tang Ying-yen and a written reply by the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Tony Eason, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
It is learnt that the Government is considering requiring all diesel engined vehicles with an axle weight of under four tons to switch to using unleaded petrol (ULP) as fuel in 1996 so as to reduce air pollution. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a)
(b)
(c)
of the extent of air pollution in the urban area caused by exhaust gas emitted by diesel-powered public buses;
whether consideration has been given to the introduction of measures requiring public buses to use ULP at a later stage; if so, what such measures are and when they will be implemented; and whether any measures will be adopted to minimise air pollution by public buses during the transition period; if not, why not;
whether the Government will require bus companies to purchase new vehicles using ULP; if not, why not; and
(d)
whether any study has been made to ascertain the rate of increase in operating costs of the bus companies after the switch to ULP as well as its effect on bus fares; if so, what the details are?
Reply:
Mr President,
(a)
Diesel-powered public buses contribute about 17% of respirable suspended particulates, the major air pollutant in the urban areas, and small diesel vehicles contribute about 60% of this pollutant.