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The Air Pollution Control (Vehicle Design Standards) (Emission) (Amendment) Regulation 2012 was gazetted today (March 23).
A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department said that the Amendment Regulation would tighten the emission standards for newly registered vehicles to bring the standards into line with those of the European Union.
"To reduce vehicle emissions, the Government has a standing policy to introduce the most stringent motor fuel and emission standards practicable to Hong Kong. On July 1, 2010, we started implementing Euro V motor fuel standards," he said.
"The Amendment Regulation requires newly registered motor vehicles, except diesel light goods vehicles with a design weight of not more than 3.5 tonnes, to comply with Euro V standards from June 1, 2012. As for newly registered diesel light goods vehicles with a design weight of not more than 3.5 tonnes, they have to comply with the Euro V level from December 31, 2012," he added.
Euro V vehicles are more environmentally friendly. Compared with Euro IV vehicles, Euro V heavy duty diesel vehicles emit about 40 per cent less nitrogen oxide (NOx). For light duty diesel vehicles, Euro V models emit about 80 per cent less respirable suspended particulates and 30 per cent less NOx. As regards Euro V petrol or LPG vehicles, they emit about 30 per cent less NOx.
The Amendment Regulation will be tabled at the Legislative Council for negative vetting on March 28. Subject to the approval of the Council, the amendments will take effect on June 1, 2012.
Ends/Friday, March 23, 2012
Issued at HKT 11:01
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