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The Government proposes to tighten the specifications for unleaded petrol to the Euro IV level with effect from January 1, 2005 to help improve roadside air quality as motor vehicles are the major source of roadside pollution in Hong Kong.

The Air Pollution Control (Motor Vehicle Fuel) (Amendment) Regulation 2004, seeking to make the Euro IV unleaded petrol specifications the statutory standard, was published in the Gazette today (October 15). It will be tabled at the Legislative Council for negative vetting on October 20, 2004.

"The Euro IV unleaded petrol specifications would lower the sulphur limit by 67% and the aromatic hydrocarbons limit by 17% as compared with the current Euro III unleaded petrol specifications," a spokesman for the Environment, Transport and Works Bureau said.

"With Euro IV unleaded petrol, Euro IV petrol vehicles emit about 50% less nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons than with Euro III unleaded petrol," the spokesman said.

"The European Union will also tighten its unleaded petrol specifications to the Euro IV level from January 1, 2005, to prepare for subsequent implementation of the Euro IV vehicle emission standards. Our plan is to start making Euro IV emission requirements mandatory for newly registered vehicles from 2006 in step with the European Union," he said.

Ends/Friday, October 15, 2004

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