The Air Pollution Control (Vehicle Design Standards) (Emission) (Amendment) Regulation 2020 was gazetted today (April 24). 

     A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department said that the Amendment Regulation is to tighten the emission standards for first-registered motorcycles to Euro 4 from October 1, 2020, and light buses with a design weight of more than 3.5 tonnes and buses with a design weight of not more than 9 tonnes to Euro VI On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) Phase C from March 1, 2021.

     "To improve roadside air quality and protect public health, our standing policy is to tighten the emission standards of first-registered motor vehicles, with reference to international developments and the supply of compliant vehicles to Hong Kong," the spokesman added.

     Compared with their Euro V counterparts, Euro VI heavy duty diesel vehicles (including light buses with a design weight of more than 3.5 tonnes and buses with a design weight of not more than 9 tonnes) emit about 80 per cent less nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 50 per cent less respirable suspended particulates.

     In addition, Euro 4 petrol motorcycles emit about 50 per cent less total hydrocarbons (including volatile organic compounds (VOC)) and about 60 per cent less NOx from tailpipes in comparison with their Euro 3 counterparts. Control on evaporative emissions of VOC and requirements for the OBD system are also incorporated into Euro 4 standards to further reduce their emissions.

     "The Amendment Regulation will help further reduce the emissions of motor vehicles and improve roadside air quality," he said. 

     The Amendment Regulation will be tabled at the Legislative Council for negative vetting on April 29. Subject to the approval of the Council, the Amendment Regulation will come into operation on October 1, 2020. 

Ends/Friday, April 24, 2020
Issued at HKT 17:00

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