ENG-2011 — Page 337

The Environment 293

2011 to subsidise the public transport sectors and goods vehicle owners in trying out green innovative transport technologies.

The Government is also promoting the use of electric vehicles (EV) in Hong Kong. The exemption of the First Registration Tax for electric vehicles has been extended to May 2014. A steering committee has been set up under the leadership of the Financial Secretary to make recommendations on strategy and specific measures to promote the use of electric vehicles. Various EV models, including EuAuto 'MyCar', Mitsubishi i-MiEV', Tesla 'Roadster', Nissan 'LEAF', Smith commercial vehicles, as well as electric motorcycles such as Vectrix and Brammo, have already been launched in the Hong Kong market.

To encourage the supply and use of Euro V diesel, the Government waived the fuel tax for Euro V diesel on July 14, 2008. The Government has tightened the standards of motor vehicle diesel and unleaded petrol to Euro V specifications and implemented the statutory control on the quality of motor vehicle biodiesel from July 1, 2010.

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. Moreover, the Motor Vehicle Idling (Fixed Penalty) Ordinance which introduces a statutory prohibition against idling vehicles with running engines came into operation on December 15, 2011.

Apart from 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, which includes a voluntary IAQ Certification Scheme for offices and public places 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 for controlling substances that deplete the ozone layer is applicable to Hong Kong. The Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance prohibits manufacture of these substances as well as their import for local consumption, except hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). The import of HCFCs is now subject to quota control with a view to completely banning their import by 2020.