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Ban
on leaded petrol to start in April
Leaded
petrol will be banned in Hong Kong with effect from April
1, 1999, the Government announced today (Thursday).
The Government's proposal to ban leaded petrol was tabled
in the Legislative Council last month, and passed through
the vetting period yesterday (Wednesday).
The ban
will apply to the supply, sale and dispensing of leaded petrol
as well as any fuel additive containing lead.
Principal
Environmental Protection Officer, Mr Mok Wai-chuen, said the
ban showed Hong Kong's support to the global effort in phasing
out the use of leaded petrol completely.
"All
petrol vehicles in use in Hong Kong can run on unleaded petrol
without any problems.
"Only
a small number of vehicle models, mainly those that are more
than 15 years old, may need to add a small quantity of additives
to provide lubrication and protection to the valve seats of
their engines.
"The
major oil companies will provide these fuel additives at their
petrol filling stations," he said.
If a motorist
has doubt about whether his/her vehicle needed these fuel
additives, they might contact the agent of the vehicle manufacturer,
Mr Mok said.
The Environmental
Protection Department has prepared an information leaflet
about the ban of leaded petrol.
It is
available at Environmental Protection Department and its branch
offices, petrol filling stations, district offices and licence
offices of Transport Department, he said.
The information
leaflet can also be found at our website at http://www.info.gov.hk/epd/.
If a motorist wants to seek assistance, he/she may call our
hotline at 2827 2722.
Mr Mok
reminded that all motorists using petrol vehicles equipped
with a catalytic converter or petrol vehicles registered after
1991 should not use these fuel additives. Otherwise damage
to the converters may occur.
End/Thursday,
March 11, 1999
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