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Letter to the Editor of SCMP – Response to a letter on noise pollution
I write in response to the letter headlined “We must curb noise pollution” on 22 Oct 2008 by Mr. Samuel Chan.
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has assessed the traffic noise levels over Hong Kong comprehensively. Details are on the EPD web http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/misc/noisemodel/eng/e_index.htm.
To tackle road traffic noise, the Government has taken a multi-pronged approach that includes preventing noise problems through land use planning and project design; improving traffic noise from existing roads through abatement programmes and getting the public and stakeholders onside through education, engagement and partnership programmes.
To control vehicle noise at source, this department introduced regulations in 1996 requiring all motor vehicles to comply with the stringent noise emission standards of Japan or the European Union on their first registration in Hong Kong. The standards were further tightened in 2002 to meet tightened standards in Japan and the European Union. EPD will continue to tighten up standards according to the international development in technologies on vehicle noise control. Furthermore, legislation in Hong Kong has also banned any undue use of vehicle horns and tempering of vehicle exhaust silencers.
The Government has already introduced measures to speed up replacement of pre-Euro and Euro I diesel vans and trucks by cleaner models through provision of one-off grant and tax concession. To give extra impetus for vehicle owners to replace their old commercial vehicles, this department is considering the option of increasing the licence fees of old commercial vehicles. EPD will continue to monitor the progress of their replacement and consider additional measures to improve our environment.
We thank Mr. Chan for his interest in reduction of vehicle noise.
C.W. Tse
Assistant Director
Environmental Protection Department
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