Phasing Out Old Diesel Commercial Vehicles

136.         Diesel commercial vehicles are a major source of roadside air pollution in Hong Kong. In 2012, the World Health Organisation warned that diesel engine exhaust fumes are carcinogenic. In view of the lukewarm response to the voluntary incentive schemes introduced by the Government over the past few years, we must phase out old diesel commercial vehicles with greater financial incentives while putting in place more stringent regulatory measures. To meet the 2015 and 2020 emission reduction targets, I propose setting aside $10 billion as subsidies to owners of over 80 000 heavily polluting pre-Euro and Euro I to III diesel commercial vehicles in order to progressively phase out these vehicles having regard to their pollution level. The scheme will significantly reduce the overall emissions of particulates and nitrogen oxides by 80% and 30% respectively. We also propose to set a service life limit for newly registered diesel commercial vehicles at 15 years.

Contents | Next