ENG-2008 — Page 341

The Environment 273

standards) and the use of environment-friendly private cars. Another incentive scheme was launched on April 1, 2008 to encourage the use of environment- friendly commercial vehicles.

To encourage the supply and use of Euro V diesel, the Government waived the fuel tax for Euro V diesel on July 14, 2008. Euro V diesel is now available at all petrol filling stations in Hong Kong.

Another motor vehicle emission control strategy is to tighten control over smoky vehicles. Under the Smoky Vehicle Control Programme, all vehicles reported must be tested for smoke levels to find out whether the owners have corrected the smoke defects. The number of smoky vehicles on roads has decreased by about 80 per cent since 1999. The Government is also taking forward the proposed statutory ban against idling vehicles with running engines.

Apart from having cleaner vehicles and 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 encourages innovation wherever practical.

Indoor Air Quality

To promote good indoor air quality (IAQ) and public awareness of its importance, the Government has introduced an IAQ Management Programme, a core element of which is a voluntary IAQ Certification Scheme for offices and public places that are served by mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning systems. It aims to recognise good IAQ management practices and to provide incentives for owners. of buildings/premises or property management companies to pursue the best level of indoor air quality.

Ozone Layer Protection

The Montreal Protocol, which aims to control substances that deplete the ozone layer, is applicable to Hong Kong. The Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance prohibits manufacture and import of chlorofluorocarbons and halons for local consumption. The EPD also sets a quota to control the import of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC). To comply with the accelerated phase-out programme for HCFC under the Montreal Protocol, the Government is planning to ban the import of HCFC products into Hong Kong in phases starting from 2010.

Noise

Road Traffic Noise

Under the existing policy, project proponents are required to assess traffic noise impact when planning new roads and provide necessary direct mitigation measures to ensure traffic noise impacts at the noise sensitive receivers stay within acceptable levels. Where direct measures are inadequate, indirect noise mitigation measures must be used.