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Drivers reminded of idling engines prohibition due to take effect on December 15
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     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has reminded drivers that the Motor Vehicle Idling (Fixed Penalty) Ordinance will come into operation on Thursday (December 15).

     Pursuant to the Ordinance, drivers are prohibited from leaving their vehicle engines idling for more than three minutes in any 60-minute period. A Penalty Notice will be issued to drivers contravening the prohibition and they will be liable to a fine of $320. The law will be enforced all year round on all roads including private roads and car parks.

     Traffic Wardens and Environmental Protection Inspectors are empowered to enforce the law and have received relevant training. Within the first month of implementation, law enforcement staff will give drivers verbal advice first and will issue a Penalty Notice only if the driver does not heed the warning.

     To enhance early understanding by drivers and the general public of the implementation and coverage of the law, the EPD has launched extensive publicity and education programmes through various channels throughout Hong Kong to promote the message of switching off idling engines.

     The Ordinance aims at reducing the environmental nuisance caused by idling engines, and encourages drivers to take up the green driving habit of switching off their idling engines in a bid to improve air quality and protect public health.

     The Ordinance provides exemptions for practical needs and in various circumstances. These include periods during which the very hot weather warning or the amber, red and black rainstorm warning signals have been issued, and continuing until midnight of that day; instances during which a motor vehicle is stationary because of traffic conditions or because a passenger is boarding or alighting from the vehicle; and situations during which a driver cannot prevent an engine from idling because of a mechanical difficulty. The Ordinance also provides exemptions for the transport sector and specific circumstances of certain vehicles, taking into account operational needs.

     For more details of the Motor Vehicle Idling (Fixed Penalty) Ordinance, please visit the website of the EPD (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/air/prob_solutions/idling_prohibition.html), call the enquiry hotline 2838 3111 or email idlingenq@epd.gov.hk .

Ends/Friday, December 9, 2011
Issued at HKT 12:01

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