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Press Release
Pre-Euro diesel heavy vehicles required to install emission reduction devices
The Government announced today (November 25) the gazettal of the Air Pollution Control (Emission Reduction Devices for Vehicles) Amendment Regulation 2005. "Subject to approval by the Legislative Council, the Amendment Regulation will require all pre-Euro diesel heavy vehicles, except long idling vehicles, to install approved emission reduction devices as from April 1, 2006, to reduce their emissions of air pollutants," a spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department said.
"Vehicle owners failing to install and maintain the approved devices in good working conditions will be liable to cancellation or non-renewal of their vehicle licences," the spokesman said.
"Diesel vehicles are a major source of roadside air pollution in Hong Kong. A pre-Euro vehicle emits up to seven times more particulates than a vehicle meeting the prevailing Euro III standards."
"The emission reduction device required can reduce about 30% of the particulates emissions and about 50% of the hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide emissions from a pre-Euro diesel heavy vehicle." he said.
Since 2003, pre-Euro diesel light vehicles have already been required by law to be installed with similar approved emission reduction devices.
In 2004, the Government completed a voluntary programme to assist owners of pre-Euro diesel heavy vehicles to install emission reduction devices in their vehicles. About 97% of such vehicles took part in the installation programme.
Pre-Euro diesel heavy vehicles include large light buses, good vehicles and buses over four tonnes first-registered before April 1, 1995. Long idling vehicles have a body type of the following:
i) aerial platform,
ii) concrete mixer,
iii) gully emptier,
iv) lorry crane,
v) mobile crane,
vi) mobile concrete pump, or
vii) pressure tanker.
The Government is now implementing a retrofitting programme to assist owners of long idling diesel heavy vehicles to install emission reduction devices. The programme will be completed by the end of this year. The Government plans to propose legislative amendment next year to extend the mandatory requirement to these vehicles.
End/Friday, November 25, 2005
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