ENG-2013 — Page 298

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The Environment

To promote the use of electric vehicles (EV) in Hong Kong the First Registration Tax for EVs is waived till March 2014. Various EV models have been launched in the Hong Kong market and some 1,000 standard and 10 quick charging stations are in place for use by the general public.

The government has stringent controls against diesel vehicles with excessive smoke. Such vehicles must pass a smoke test with the aid of a chassis dynamometer to ascertain whether the defects have been rectified. In 2013, 7,431 smoky vehicles were reported, about 80 per cent fewer than in 1999.

Apart from cleaner vehicles and fuels, it is essential to promote mass transit systems that are pollution-free at street level. Government policy gives priority to rail over road and encourages innovation wherever practical.

Marine transport

Marine vessels have become the largest emission source in Hong Kong. To control marine emissions, the government has implemented a series of measures, including introducing MARPOL Annex VI requirements and upgrading marine fuel quality. In September 2012, the government launched a three-year Port Facilities and Light Dues Incentive Scheme to encourage ocean-going vessels to use cleaner fuel while berthing. The EPD intends to mandate this green practice starting 2015. The EPD is also preparing legislation to cap the sulphur content of marine light diesel at 0.05 per cent, a tenth of the current level.

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 applies 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.

Noise Pollution

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 at the noise sensitive receivers stays within acceptable levels. Where direct measures are inadequate, indirect noise mitigation measures must be used.

To address traffic noise from existing roads, a programme to retrofit noise barriers on noisy road sections is being carried out in phases under the Public Works Programme. All high-speed (70

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