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The Government proposes amending the Air Pollution Control (Vehicle Design Standards) (Emission) Regulations to introduce emission standards for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) light buses and to tighten up the emission standards for diesel light buses, LPG taxis and petrol vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes.

A Government spokesman said today (May 16) that to reduce vehicle emissions, all newly registered vehicles are required to meet stringent emission standards.

"The Amendment Regulation requires newly registered LPG light buses to meet Euro III or equivalent emission standards," the spokesman said.

"The Amendment Regulation also tightens the emission standards for newly-registered diesel light buses weighing more than 3.5 tonnes to Euro III or equivalent standards.

"The emissions standards for newly registered LPG taxis and petrol vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes are the same as those in Japan," he added.

The proposed emission ceiling is 30% lower than before the amendments.

"Since we informed the vehicle suppliers of the new requirements more than a year ago, the light buses and vehicles concerned imported into Hong Kong since mid-2002 are already meeting the new emission standards. The amendments merely formalise the existing position by including the new requirements in the regulations," the spokesman said.

The Amendment Regulation is gazetted today and will be tabled in the Legislative Council on May 21. Subject to the approval of the council, the amendments will take effect on August 1, 2003.

End/Friday, May 16, 2003

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