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2002 - Press Release
Free tests provided on Vehicle Emission Testing Day
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and the Environmental Hygiene Committee of the Kowloon City District Council today (July 14) organised a Vehicle Emission Testing Day outside the Kai Tak Government Building.
Diesel, petrol and LPG vehicles were offered free emission tests from 10 am to 4 pm. Drivers were informed of the results immediately after the tests.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Acting Deputy Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Mike Chiu, said the programme aimed to remind owners of the importance of proper vehicle maintenance in order to prevent excessive emission.
With the Hong Kong Vehicle Repair Merchants Association being one of the organisations assisted in holding the event, the Vehicle Emission Testing Day was also part of a partnership programme established between the EPD and the vehicle repair trade.
"Under the partnership programme, a collaboration scheme was launched with the Hong Kong Vehicle Repair Merchants Association in December 2000 to improve environmental compliance of vehicle repair workshops.
The ambassadors of the Association would visit the garages being complained against and assist the concerned owners to comply with the requirements of the environmental legislation. The Association would then give feedback to the EPD," Dr Chiu said.
The EPD and the Association have also worked out advice on green practices for reference by the trade practitioners.
In parallel, the EPD has organised seminars on environmental compliance for the trade, and developed jointly with the Hong Kong Productivity Council and the trade a practical technical fix to control air pollution arising from car spraying operation.
The partnership programme is effective, with the number of complaints against garages for environmental nuisances decreasing from 462 in 2000 to 376 in 2001," Dr Chiu noted.
End/Sunday, July 14, 2002
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