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Press
Releases - 2000
Grant
for installing particulate traps to reduce air pollution
The Environmental
Protection Department (EPD) announced today (September 15)
that a one-year programme will commence on September 25 to
assist owners of pre-Euro light diesel vehicles to retrofit
their vehicles with particulate reduction devices.
The retrofitting
programme is part of the Government's comprehensive plan to
reduce air pollution.
The Assistant
Director of Environmental Protection (Air), Mr Tse Chin-wan,
said: "Under the programme, a one-off grant of $1,300 will
be provided for each eligible vehicle to install a device
to reduce particulates from its tailpipe emissions."
"While
participation in the retrofitting programme is voluntary,
our plan is to make the installation of the device on these
vehicles a requirement for annual vehicle licence renewal
after the completion of the programme," Mr Tse added.
The Government
has appointed two contractors, Eco-Tek Company Limited and
Dah Chong Hong (Motor Service Centre) Limited for the supply
and installation of such devices.
The two
companies were among 17 companies which took part in the tendering
exercise and they were appointed as they had succeeded in
demonstrating that their devices could fully comply with the
required specifications.
Vehicles
eligible for the grant include diesel private cars, diesel
light buses and diesel light goods vehicles which are up to
four tonnes and first registered on or before March 31, 1995.
Other
eligible vehicles include diesel taxis first registered on
or before December 31, 1995.
These
vehicles do not comply with Euro emission standards.
To be
eligible for the grant, the relevant vehicle owners can choose
either one of the two companies to install the devices.
The device
supplied by Eco-Tek costs $1,300 each. The one of Dah Chong
Hong costs $4,000 for vehicles of engine size up to 2 800
c.c. and $7,500 for larger diesel light vehicles.
"Letters
inviting eligible vehicle owners to join the programme and
information leaflets on the programme will be sent to all
eligible vehicle owners starting today. The letter provides
detailed guidelines on how to make appointment with the two
companies for the installation of the devices.
"We have
set up a telephone hotline at 2824 0022 to answer enquiries.
Eligible vehicle owners should call the hotline if they do
not receive the invitation letter by the end of October,"
Mr Tse said.
The grant
is one of the initiatives announced in the Chief Executive's
Policy Address last year to reduce air pollution.
The devices
can remove at least 30 per cent of the particulate emissions
of a diesel light vehicle.
Installing
them in all pre-Euro diesel light vehicles can reduce particulate
emissions from the whole vehicle fleet by six per cent.
"A trial
of retrofitting heavy diesel vehicles with diesel catalysts
is being conducted and is scheduled for completion early next
year. "Subject to the results of the trial, the Government
will consider providing similar assistance to retrofit pre-Euro
heavy diesel vehicles with suitable catalysts," Mr Tse added.
End/Friday,
September 15, 2000
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