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Following is a question by the Hon Audrey Eu and a reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, in the Legislative Council today (November 21):
Question:
It has been reported that a research conducted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has revealed that the exhaust emissions from liquefied petroleum gas (：LPG；) taxis can also be very alarming if they have been used for a long time without proper maintenance. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) whether it has collected statistics on the number of existing LPG taxis in Hong Kong which emit excessive air pollutants owing to poor maintenance; and
(b) in addition to its plan to strengthen the control of emissions from LPG vehicles with the deployment of roadside remote sensors and chassis dynamometers to test vehicular emissions, of the measures the Government will consider taking to reduce the emission of air pollutants from LPG taxis; and whether it has any plan to encourage regular maintenance of LPG taxis by their owners; if it has, of the details of the plan; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
Madam President,
Before the introduction of LPG taxis, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) had asked the two taxi manufacturers for Hong Kong to provide detailed information on the emission tests. As the information indicated, the two types of LPG taxis supplied by them emitted extremely low levels of respirable suspended particulates (RSP), while their nitrogen oxides emissions were only 1% and 6% of those emitted by the diesel taxis which they manufactured. These two types of LPG taxis also emitted less carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon than diesel taxis. These data had been incorporated into the ：LPG Taxis Trial Scheme Report； completed jointly by the Government and the taxi trade in July 1999.
RSP and nitrogen oxides are the major roadside air pollutants in Hong Kong. As the RSP and nitrogen oxides emissions of LPG taxis are significantly lower than those of diesel taxis, it is a clear fact that replacing diesel taxis with LPG ones can effectively improve the roadside air quality. That said, LPG taxis, like other vehicles, require proper and regular maintenance to keep their emissions at a low level.
In recent years, EPD has been using roadside remote sensing devices to collect the emission data of petrol and LPG vehicles at different locations in Hong Kong, so as to find out their overall emission performances. In 2007, EPD collected the emission data of 15,000 LPG vehicles. About 17% of LPG taxis were found to have higher emissions than normal, particularly in respect of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxides, which were believed to be caused mainly by aging parts and inadequate maintenance.
To further reduce the overall emissions of LPG taxis, the most effective way is to identify the ones with high emissions so that their owners can carry out proper repair as soon as possible.
EPD has been studying the use of advanced roadside remote sensing devices for testing petrol and LPG vehicles with excessive emissions. The study covers collecting emission data of relevant local vehicles using roadside remote sensing devices, setting emission standards for vehicles manufactured in different years, and developing convenient and reliable roadside remote sensing methods.
To ensure that the petrol and LPG vehicles so identified will be properly repaired and maintained, the department is also studying the feasibility of requiring these vehicles to undergo emissions tests using chassis dynamometers within a specified period. This testing method simulates on-road operation of petrol and LPG vehicles. Compared with testing a static vehicle, this method gives a better picture of a running vehicle・s actual emission levels.
Based on the findings of the study, EPD is now formulating proposals to tighten the control on the emissions of petrol and LPG vehicles (including LPG taxis) by deploying roadside remote sensing devices and chassis dynamometers. The department is planning to consult the stakeholders on the proposals early next year.
In parallel, EPD has been holding seminars for LPG taxi owners and the related maintenance trade so as to enhance their knowledge on proper maintenance of LPG vehicles. These seminars feature technical presentations by experienced instructors. Taxi drivers and owners are encouraged to have their taxis inspected for emissions on the spot. If the inspection reveals any problem, technicians are there to explain the relevant maintenance methods. Participants consider these talks helpful in enhancing their knowledge on maintenance of LPG vehicles. To tie in with the introduction of the new proposals, we plan to step up our efforts in this area so as to raise the trade・s awareness of the problem of excessive emissions from LPG vehicles.
No doubt it is the owner・s responsibility to maintain his vehicle on a regular basis so as to ensure that it will be running properly. By doing so, he will also protect his own interests and safety. We trust that through tightening control and stepping up promotion, together with raising the owners・ awareness that it is in their interests to properly maintain their vehicles, we should be able to further reduce emissions from LPG vehicles, thereby improving the environment.
Ends/Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:46
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