***********************************************************
In connection with the subsidy for the replacement of catalytic converters and oxygen sensors of petrol and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) taxis and light buses, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (December 4) urged owners of Toyota LPG taxis manufactured in 2003 or after and Toyota LPG light buses manufactured in 2008 or after to apply for the subsidy before December 14. Applications should be submitted at designated vehicle repair workshops. Late submissions will not be considered.
A spokesman for the EPD said, "Over 40 per cent of the Phase Two eligible vehicle owners have already applied for the subsidy. The replacement of parts on these vehicles will commence on January 1, 2014 and will be completed by March 31, 2014.
"Owners of vehicles which have been registered in Phase One are reminded to complete the replacement at the garage of application on or before December 31, 2013."
Eligible vehicle owners joining the programme can choose replacement parts from three designated suppliers, while replacement services can be undertaken at any of the 52 designated vehicle repair workshops. These suppliers or workshops were selected by the EPD through open tenders. In general, vehicle owners can participate in the subsidy programme free of charge, with the exception of vehicle owners using certain workshops. Details of the programme have been uploaded to the EPD website: www.epd.gov.hk/epd/tc_chi/environmentinhk/air/prob_solutions/LPG_Catalytic_Converter_Replacement.html (Chinese version only).
Interested eligible vehicle owners should submit their subsidy applications and make reservations for the replacement services at any of the designated workshops according to the timetable (see Appendix), taking with them the vehicles and copies of the Vehicle Registration Documents.
Participation in the programme is voluntary. The programme is being conducted in three phases. Phase Three will include petrol taxis, hybrid taxis, LPG light buses and taxis other than Toyotas. Owners of these vehicles should submit their applications from January 1 to 31, 2014. The EPD will notify the vehicle owners concerned by mail.
A spokesman for the EPD said, "At present, the catalytic converters of some 80 per cent of LPG taxis and 45 per cent of light buses are worn out, causing excessive emissions. Replacement of worn-out catalytic converters can reduce vehicle emissions by as much as 90 per cent."
The spokesman appealed to eligible vehicle owners to join the programme. "To improve roadside air quality, starting from April next year, the EPD will use roadside remote sensing equipment to step up monitoring of excessive emissions by petrol and LPG vehicles. Vehicles found with excessive emissions will be required to pass an advanced emissions test with the aid of a chassis dynamometer within a prescribed period of time. Otherwise, the vehicle's licence will be cancelled."
For further information on the programme please call the EPD hotline on 3618 7670.
Ends/Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Issued at HKT 15:56
NNNN
