Banner:Database on Particular Policy Issues - Environmental Affairs

Control of vehicle emissions - General


DateContextSummary of developmentAction
5.2.99 - The Air Pollution Control (Motor Vehicle Fuel) (Amendment) Regulation 1999 was gazetted on 5.2.99. to prohibit the supply or sale of leaded petrol. The Regulation was passed by the Council. [Papers relating to the Regulation]
10/99 PA The Chief Executive outlined the policies to be implemented to combat pollution caused by diesel vehicles. [Policy Address "Paragraphs 94 to 101"]
5.11.99 EA,TP The Joint Panels discussed the air quality improvement plans relating to transport operations outlined in the 1999 Policy Address. The Administration provided members with a paper which set out the plan for controlling emissions from diesel vehicles. [Paper]
16.12.99 EA,TP The Panels received views from interested parties on the Administration's plan to control diesel vehicle emissions.

The Administration also provided members with the following papers -
  		• Administration's responses to Dr Hon LAW Chi-kwong's enquiries on action to improve air quality. [Dr Hon LAW Chi-kwong's letter], [Administration's response]
  		• Administration's paper entitled "Control of Diesel Vehicle Emissions: Strategies to Improve Vehicle Maintenance and Reduce Smoky Vehicles". [Paper]

    7.1.00 EA The Administration sought members' views on the proposal to introduce Air Pollution Control (Motor Vehicle Fuel) (Amendment) Regulation 2000 to reduce the benzene content in unleaded petrol from 5% to no more than 1%. [Paper]

    The Regulation was gazetted on 11.2.00. [Papers relating to the Regulation]
    20.1.00 EA,TP The Panels followed up the discussion at the joint meetings held on 16.12.99 and considered the Administration's response to concerns raised at the meeting. [Paper]

    The Administration also briefed the Panels on the findings and recommendations of the Third Comprehensive Transport Study and the New Transport Strategy - Environmental Impact of Transport Activities. [Paper]
    11.2.00 - The Air Pollution Control (Motor Vehicle Fuel) (Amendment) Regulation 2000 was gazetted on 11.2.00 to reduce as from 1.4.00 the benzene content in unleaded petrol from not more than 5% to not more than 1% by volume. The Regulation was passed by the Council. [Papers relating to the Regulation]

    The Air Pollution Control (Vehicle Design Standards) (Emission) (Amendment) Regulation 2000 was also gazetted on 11.2.00 to -
  		• tighten the emission standards for newly registered motor vehicles of design weight not more than 3.5 tonnes to Euro III level at the same time as the European Union;
  		• tighten the emission standards for newly registered diesel private cars to the latest Californian emission requirements; and
  		• tighten the specifications of unleaded petrol and motor vehicle diesel to support the introduction of Euro III standards.
    The Regulation was passed by the Council. [Papers relating to the Regulation]
    12.5.00 EA,TP The Panel discussed the Administration's paper which set out new measures to further improve emission controls, and the progress of the vehicle emission control measures set out in the 1999 Policy Address. [Paper]

    The Administration sought members' views on whether control of idling engines should be introduced. It also briefed members on some of the issues that should be considered if control was to be introduced. [Paper]
    23.5.00 EA,TP The Panels followed up the discussion at the joint meeting held on 12.5.00 on control of vehicle emissions and met with deputations.

    The Panels also discussed the following papers provided by the Administration -
  		• Legislative Council Brief on the proposed resolution under section 12 of the Fixed Penalty (Criminal Proceedings) Ordinance to be moved by the Secretary for the Environment and Food on 31.5.00 to increase the fixed penalty for smoky vehicles. [Paper]
  		• Supplementary information on comprehensive control of diesel vehicles emissions in response to members' concerns raised at the joint meeting held on 12.5.00. [Paper]

    6/00 SUBCHC agreed to set up a subcommittee to scrutinize the Resolution under section 4(2) of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance which aimed to introduce a concessionary duty rate on ultra low sulphur diesel (ULSD) as a fiscal incentive to encourage the use of ULSD.

    The Subcommittee held one meeting [Meeting schedule] and reported its deliberations to HC on 23.6.00. [Report]

    The Council passed the Resolution on 27.6.00. [Hansard "Page 295"]
    23.6.00 EA,TP The Panels continued the discussion on control of vehicle emissions. [Executive summary of the Study of Economic Aspects of Ambient Air Pollution on Health Effects] [Paper] [Follow-up Paper]
    7.11.00 EA,TP The Administration informed members of the progress of the implementation of the comprehensive programme to reduce motor vehicle emissions. [Paper]
    20.12.00 COU The Council passed the Resolution under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance which aimed to extend the concessionary duty rate (i.e. at $1.11 pre litre) on ULSD to 30.6.01. [Hansard "page 124"]
    27.2.01 EA,TP The Administration briefed members on the consultation results on the proposal to control idling engines, and sought members' views on the way forward. [Paper]
    1.6.01 - The Air Pollution Control (Vehicle Design Standards) (Emission) (Amendment) Regulation 2001 was gazetted on 1.6.01 to -
  		• stop the importation of diesel taxis from 1.8.01; and
  		• raise the emission standards for certain classes of newly registered motor vehicles to Euro III levels and require installation of on-board diagnostic system for newly registered petrol vehicles of not more than 3.5 tonnes in parallel with the European Union.
    The Council passed the Regulation. [Papers relating to the Regulation]
    20.6.01 COU The Council passed the Resolution under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance which aimed to extend the concessionary duty rate on ULSD by nine months to 31.3.02. [Hansard "page 229"]
    4.7.01 EA The Panel discussed the Administration's paper which set out the latest advancement in vehicle emission control technology and the progress of various emission control measures being implemented in Hong Kong. [Paper]
    13.3.02 COU The Council passed the Resolution under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance which aimed to extend the concessionary duty rate on ULSD by one year to 31.3.03. [Hansard "page 262"]
    19.3.03 COU The Council passed the Resolution under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance which aimed to extend the concessionary duty rate on ULSD by one year to 31.3.04. [Hansard "page 201"]
    30.4.03 CQ Hon Emily LAU raised a question on measures to alleviate the air pollution caused by emissions from public transport. [Hansard "page 154"]
    14.5.03 CQ Ir Dr Hon Raymond HO raised a question on requiring motorists to switch off vehicle engines while waiting. [Hansard "page 36"]
    19.11.03 CQ Hon Kenneth TING raised a question on policy to encourage use of gasoline/electric hybrid vehicles. [Hansard] "Page 83"
    24.3.04 COU The Council passed the Resolution under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance which aimed to extend the concessionary duty rate on ULSD to 31.12.04. [Hansard "page 106"]
    24.5.04 EA The Panel discussed the Administration's paper which consulted members on the proposal to tighten the specifications for unleaded petrol in the Air Pollution Control (Motor Vehicle Fuel) Regulation with effect from 1.1.05. The purpose was to bring it in parallel with that to be mandated by the European Union at the same time. [Paper]
    15.10.04 - The Air Pollution Control (Motor Vehicle Fuel) (Amendment) Regulation 2004 was gazetted on 15.10.04. to impose more stringent requirements (Euro IV specifications) on the specifications of unleaded petrol with effect from 1.1.05. Specifically, the upper limits for the sulphur and aromatic hybrocarbons would be reduced from 0.015% to 0.005% and from 42% to 35% respectively. [Paper relating to the Regulation]
    10/04 to 12/04 SUBCHC agreed at the meeting on 29.10.04 to set up a subcommittee to scrutinize the Resolution under Dutiable Commodities Ordinance which sought to extend the concessionary duty rate on ULSD for one year to 31.12.05. [Minutes "page 6"]

    The Subcommittee held one meeting [Meeting schedule] and reported its deliberation to HC on 12.11.04. [Report]

    The Council passed the Resolution on 1.12.04. [Hansard "page 62"]
    8.2.06 CQ Hon Jeffrey LAM raised a question on the introduction of environmentally-friendly vehicles [Hansard, "Page 33"]
    5.7.06 CQ Hon Andrew LEUNG Kwan-yuen raised a question on the introduction of environmentally-friendly vehicles [Hansard, "Page 23"]
    25.10.06 CQ Hon Frederick FUNG raised a question on the promoting the purchase of vehicles with low emissions and high fuel efficiency [Hansard, "Page 49"]
    8.11.06 CQ Hon Audrey EU raised a question on the replacement of government vehicles with vehicles of lower emission levels. [Hansard, "Page 63"]
    27.11.06 EA The Panel discussed the proposal to promote the use of environment friendly cars by way of tax concession. [Paper]
    20.12.06 EA The Panel discussed the proposal to encourage the early replacement of pre-Euro and Euro I diesel commercial vehicles with Euro IV models by offering a time-limited one-off grant. [Paper]
    5.1.07 EA The Administration has provided a list of Euro IV diesel models which have been approved by Environmental Protection Department . [Follow-up paper]

    Development to date presented in background brief on air pollution control prepared by the Secretariat. [Background brief]
    2.11.07 - The Administration provided a LegCo Brief on "Public consultation on banning idling vehicles with running engines" [LegCo Brief]
    26.11.07 EA The Panel discussed the Administration's paper the introduction of a statutory ban on idling engines in the light of the outcomes of public consultation. [Paper]

    Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat. [Background brief]
    28.11.07 CQ Hon SIN Chung-kai raised a question on the use of diesel sold on the Mainland by cross-boundary vehicles. [Hansard, "Page 115"]
    5.12.07 CQ Hon Martin LEE raised a question on the introduction of vehicles using cleaner fuels. [Hansard, "Page 90"]
    8.1.08 EA The Panel discussed the Administration's responses to Members' enquiries raised at the meeting on 26 November 2007 in connection with the proposal to ban idling vehicles with running engines. [Paper]

    The Administration has provided information on the health impacts of vehicular emissions. [Follow-up paper]
    16.1.08 EA The Panel discussed the Administration's further information to address a number of questions raised by Members at the special meeting on 8 January 2008 regarding the proposal to ban idling vehicles with running engines. [Paper]

    The Administration has provided information on the experience of Singapore, Canada and United Kingdom in the implementation of anti-idling legislation and the enforcement details and a written response to address members' concerns. [Follow-up paper]
    16.1.08 CQ Hon TSANG Yok-sing raised a question on promoting the use of electric vehicles. [Hansard, "Page 91"]
    18.3.08 EA The Panel discussed the proposal to promote the use of environment-friendly commercial vehicles by way of tax concession. [Paper]

    The Administration has provided information on the the cost implications of providing a 100% first registration tax waiver for all goods vehicles and a progress report on the one-off grant scheme for the replacement of pre-Euro and Euro I diesel commercial vehicles with environment-friendly models. [Follow-up paper]
    16.4.08 CQ Hon Martin LEE raised a question on emission from franchised buses [Hansard, "Page 9"]
    26.5.08 EA The Panel discussed the consultation findings and issues being considered in the course of finalising the proposal to ban idling vehicles with running engines [Paper]

    The Administration has provided the number of signatures collected during the consultation period which have indicated objection to the proposed ban on idling engines. [Follow-up paper]
    11.6.08 CQ Hon LAU Kong-wah raised a question on scheme to encourage owners to replace old diesel commercial vehicles. [Hansard, "Page 47"]
    25.9.08 - The Administration provided a LegCo Brief on "Extension of application period for the early Replacement of Pre-Euro Commercial Vehicles" [LegCo Brief]
    12.11.08 CQ Hon KAM Nai-wai raised a question on designation of low emission zones. [Hansard, "Page 35"]
    24.11.08 EA The Panel discussed the option to increase the licence fees of old commercial vehicles to accelerate their replacement. [Paper]

    Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat. [Background brief]

    The Administration has provided information on the following -

    (a)the basis for arriving at the percentage emission from diesel commercial vehicles; and

    (b)the problems associated with Euro IV diesel vehicles, and the progress of improvement made so far.
    [Follow-up paper]
    26.11.08 CQ Hon Audrey EU raised a question on electric vehicles. [Hansard, "Page 64"]
    15.1.09 EA The Panel discussed the revised proposal to ban idling vehicles with running engines and the outcome of further consultation with the transport trades. [Paper]

    Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat. [Background brief]
    23.2.09 EA The Panel discussed the outcome of the further consultation, and out Administration's responses to the views raised at the meeting on 15 January 2009 regarding the revised proposal to bar idling vehicles with running engines. [Paper]

    Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat. [Background brief]
    20.5.09 CQ Hon CHAN Hak-kan raised a question on measures to reduce emissions of franchised buses. [Hansard, "Page 105"]
    25.5.09 EA The Panel discussed the proposal to introduce regulatory control on motor vehicle biodiesel. [Paper]

    Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat. [Background brief]
    17.6.09 CQ Hon David LI raised a question on replacement of non-franchised buses with more environment-friendly vehicles. [Hansard, "Page 33"]
    8.7.09 CQ Hon LEUNG Yiu-chung raised a question on statutory ban on idling vehicles with running engines. [Hansard, "Page 142 "]
    21.10.09 CQ Hon Miriam LAU Kin-yee raised a question on replacement of old commercial diesel vehicles [Hansard, "Page 33"]
    28.10.09 CQ Hon Miriam LAU Kin-yee raised a question on regulation of modified vehicles [Hansard, "Page 7"]
    23.11.09 EA The Panel discussed the proposal to tighten the specifications of motor vehicle diesel and unleaded petrol to Euro V standards with effect from 1 July 2010. [Paper]

    Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat. [Background brief]
    24.2.10 CQ Hon Audrey EU Yuet-mee raised a question on emissions from non-franchised buses. [Hansard, "Page 59"]
    10.3.10 SUBC The Subcommittee discussed the progress of the one-off grant scheme to encourage early replacement of pre-Euro and Euro I diesel commercial vehicles. It also discussed the proposal to provide one-off grant to eligible vehicle owners to replace their Euro II diesel commercial vehicles with new ones, and revisited the suggestion of raising the licence fees of aged commercial vehicles to deter their continued usage. [Paper]
    17.3.10 CQ Hon KAM Nai-wai raised a question on emissions from franchised buses. [Hansard, "Page 100"]
    14.4.10 CQ Hon Jeffrey LAM Kin-fung raised a question on retrofitting Euro II and III buses with selective catalytic reduction devices. [Hansard, "Page 47"]
    26.4.10 EA The Panel discussed the proposed Pilot Green Transport Fund to facilitate the Administration draw up the implementation details. [Paper]
    19.5.10 CQ Hon KAM Nai-wai raised a question on promoting the use of electric vehicles. [Hansard, "Page 76"]
    9.6.10 CQ Hon LEE Wing-tat raised a question on emissions from franchised buses. [Hansard, "Page 119"]


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