Environment Bureau Environmental Protection Department ENVIRONMENT HONG KONG 2008
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6 Air

 
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Banning Idling Engines

Idling engines are particularly annoying in Hong Kong, where dense urban development traps pollutants from motor vehicles at street level. A number of drivers leave their vehicle engines running while waiting so they can enjoy air-conditioning, which aggravates the roadside heat and emission nuisance.

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has proposed a statutory ban on idling engines in Hong Kong following on-going concern about this problem. Despite voluntary publicity and education campaigns carried out by the Government, complaints against idling engines have increased (from 238 in 2002 to 616 in 2007).  The public has become more intolerant of idling engines and expect more effective measures to be taken to tackle the issue.

In November 2007 we launched a five-month public consultation to gather the community's views on the issue. Our proposal allows for exceptions, such as vehicles stopped for active boarding or alighting, vehicles that have to run engines for ancillary purposes such as refrigeration, security and emergency vehicles and special traffic conditions such as traffic jams or accidents. It is hoped a consensus will be reached in 2008 so we can follow the example set by other countries, such as Singapore and Japan, which have hot, humid summers similar to Hong Kong's.

Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward YAU, speaks after launching the public consultation on a proposed ban on idling vehicle engines.

Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward YAU, speaks after launching the public consultation on a proposed ban on idling vehicle engines.


Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) play a major role in the formation of smog and are a particularly insidious source of air pollution. VOCs are not only emitted by vehicles, but by common products such as solvent-based paints, printing inks, consumer goods, organic solvents and petroleum products. Part of the EPD's overall strategy in tackling air pollution is to reduce emissions from this source.

Legislation banning the import and local manufacture of products with VOC content above certain limits was introduced in April 2007, placing Hong Kong at the forefront internationally in terms of VOC control. The first phase regulates architectural paints and coatings, printing inks and six selected consumer products (air fresheners, hairsprays, multi-purpose lubricants, floor wax strippers, insecticides and insect repellents). Further products may be added as needed.

The EPD also commissioned a 30-month study in September 2007 on VOCs and photochemical smog in the Pearl River Delta region. Ambient VOC samples will be collected at various locations across a 200-kilometre area and analysed. The results will be used to help Guangdong and Hong Kong formulate strategies for alleviating regional smog.

This leaflet provides the public with information on VOCs and smog.

This leaflet provides the public with information on VOCs and smog.


Schematic diagram of smog formation.

Schematic diagram of smog formation.


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