ENG-2009 — Page 344

276 The Environment

Programme. All high-speed (70 kilometres per hour or above) roads have been resurfaced with low-noise material wherever practicable. In addition, a trial programme to surface local roads with low-noise material is being implemented.

To prevent individual vehicles from producing excessive noise, the Government tightened legislation in 2002 to require all newly registered vehicles to comply with. the latest internationally recognised noise standards.

Railway Noise

Various noise reduction programmes have been implemented by the railway operators since the early 1990s to address noise problems along railways, bringing relief to some 110 000 affected residents thus far. New railway projects are required to undergo environmental impact assessments to ensure their noise impact is properly addressed.

Aircraft Noise

The impact of aircraft noise on almost all residents in the vicinity of Hong Kong International Airport flight paths is within the planning standard. However, there is still concern about the aircraft noise nuisance, especially during evenings and early mornings. The Government will continue exploring and implementing all practicable aircraft noise mitigating measures.

Noise from Industrial or Commercial Activities

Noise from industrial or commercial activities is controlled through the issuance of noise abatement notices. The EPD serves abatement notices requiring the owners. or occupants of premises causing excessive noise to reduce it within a given period.

Construction Noise

Noise from general construction works between 7pm and 7am and on public. holidays is controlled through construction noise permits. These restrict the use of equipment in accordance with strict criteria and ban noisy manual activities in built-up areas. Percussive piling is prohibited at night and on public holidays and requires a permit during the daytime on any day that is not a public holiday.

The Government has phased out the use of noisy diesel, steam and pneumatic piling hammers. The law also requires hand-held percussive breakers and air compressors for construction to meet strict noise standards and to have 'green' noise emission labels.

To deter repeated industrial, commercial and construction noise offences, the Noise Control Ordinance stipulates that the senior management of a body corporate will be held liable for repeated offences committed by that body corporate.

The EPD has introduced a Quality Powered Mechanical Equipment system to promote the use of more environmentally friendly construction equipment and to facilitate the construction noise permit application process.