ENG-2001 — Page 321

TRANSPORT

and more comfortable street environment. The opportunity is also taken to beautify the local environment.

In 2001, a study was completed on possible pedestrianisation schemes in Central, Wan Chai, Yau Ma Tei and Sham Shui Po. The study has recommended the introduction of pedestrianisation scheme in certain streets in these areas. They include Theatre Lane, Chiu Lung Street, Lan Kwai Fong area in Central; Johnston Road and Thomson Road in Wan Chai; Nanking Street and Temple Street in Yau Ma Tei; and Apliu Street and Fuk Wa Street in Sham Shui Po. Pedestrianisation schemes have been undertaken in Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok. These include Paterson Street, Lockhart Road, East Point Road and Great George Street in Causeway Bay; Hankow Road and Haiphong Road in Tsim Sha Tsui; and Nelson Street in Mong Kok.

There has been significant progress in road transport in pursuit of environmental operation in recent years.

In 2001, a study to examine the feasibility of introducing trolleybus operation in Hong Kong was completed. The study concluded that there were important technical and operational risks and financial viability problem concerning trolleybus operation in busy urban areas, and that the environmental benefits a trolleybus system could bring to those areas would be small. The introduction of trolleybuses was not recommended for existing built-up areas, while the possibility of trolleybus operation in new development areas could be further explored. In this connection, the merits of introducing trolleybuses among other environmentally friendly transport modes in the South-East Kowloon Development would be examined to determine the best choice of transport mode for this new development

area.

Since 1993, franchised bus companies have been purchasing buses with environmentally friendly engines which meet the European emission standards and are known as 'Euro Engines'. By year-end, over 70 per cent of the franchised buses were equipped with these engines. Since February, all franchised buses have been using diesel with an ultra-low sulphur content.

From August 1, all newly registered taxis have to run on liquefied petroleum gas, to meet the tighter emission standards.

A six-month trial on the use of alternative fuel or means of power for minibuses was completed in January, and the final report on the trial was issued in June. On the basis of the report's findings, the Administration has proposed an incentive scheme to encourage minibus operators to voluntarily convert their vehicles to liquefied petroleum gas or electricity. The Administration is consulting the trade in this connection before finalising the way forward.

To combat the problem caused by vehicle exhaust emissions, the Government implemented a strengthened smoke test on all diesel vehicles from late 2000. The test is carried out when the vehicles are produced for their annual inspection. A chassis dynamometer was commissioned for testing diesel emissions under load conditions, by random sampling.

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