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The Government today (Friday) launched a consultation document on the switch of all diesel taxis to liquid petroleum gas (LPG) taxis so as to improve the air quality of Hong Kong.
Announcing the start of the consultation exercise until December 31 this year, Deputy Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Kim Salkeld said the exercise aims at collecting views and suggestions on the following proposals:
* identifying sufficient number of existing and possible new sites for the provision of LPG refilling facilities;
* providing an appropriate framework for the setting up of LPG vehicle maintenance workshops and training of LPG vehicle mechanics;
* requiring, from the end of 2000, all vehicles newly registered as taxis to use LPG;
* encouraging all diesel taxis to be replaced with LPG taxis before the end of 2005;
* making maximum use of facilities that come on stream before the end of 2000 to allow additional taxis to use LPG on a voluntary basis; and
* tightening the emission standards for newly registered diesel taxis and to step up the inspection and enforcement against in-use diesel vehicles.
Mr Salkeld said that the proposals were made in view of the encouraging results from the trial for LPG taxis launched on November 29 last year.
"The trial has found that LPG taxis and diesel taxis have comparable operating and maintenance costs, based on existing prices," he said.
"It has also confirmed that LPG taxis are virtually free of smoke and much less polluting than existing diesel taxis.
"In addition, feedback from passengers of LPG taxis has indicated an overwhelming support for introducing LPG taxis."
The Government has already identified 62 potential sites for LPG filling stations that include 43 existing petrol filling stations and 19 new sites and the search is continuing, he said.
"All the potential sites meet the stringent screening buffer distance requirement of 55 metres from densely populated area."
The Vocational Training Council will organise training courses on the repair and maintenance of LPG taxis and at least 100 mechanics can be trained each year.
A sufficient number of trained mechanics will be available by the end of 2000.
"It is necessary to take further action to control air pollution to protect the health of the public," Mr Salkeld emphasised.
"Diesel vehicles take up two-third of the vehicle mileage travelled in Hong Kong and emit a considerable amount of respirable suspended particulates and nitrogen dioxide.
"To clean up the air effectively and efficiently, a cleaner practicable alternative is required to reduce the heavy reliance on diesel vehicles.
"Replacing diesel taxis by LPG taxis is an important step to clean up the air. It can reduce 30 per cent of the respirable suspended particulates emitted from motor vehicles."
Copies of the consultation document are available for collection at the following offices:
I) Planning, Environment and Lands Bureau, ninth floor, Murray Building, Garden Road, Central;
II) Environmental Protection Department(EPD) Headquarters, 28th Floor, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai;
III) all EPD Local Control Offices;
IV) all Licensing Offices of the Transport Department, and
V) all District Offices.
The document is also uploaded on the Bureau's website at http://www.pelb.gov.hk and EPD's website at http://www.info.gov.hk/epd.
Comments on the proposals can be sent to the Planning, Environment and Lands Bureau (Environment Division), ninth floor, Murray Building, Garden Road, or its website
before December 31 this year.
End/Friday, October 16, 1998
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