3.2.2 Evaluative elements
The air quality-monitoring network in Hong Kong of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) comprises fourteen fixed monitoring stations in order to meet the existing AQO. This network is certified by the Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (HOKLAS) and has gained high regard from experts of overseas and the United Nations' Environmental Program. According to EPD, Figure 3.8 describes the locations of all the fourteen monitoring stations in Hong Kong.
Figure 3.9 Air Quality Monitoring Network of Hong Kong
Source: the Environmental Protection Department of Hong Kong
Evaluative data is calculated by API, which is the conversion of the ambient respirable suspended particulate (RSP), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations measured at the air quality-monitoring network to a scale of 0 to 500. Real time air quality data from each monitoring station are transferred via telephone line to the air quality data processing center of EPD in Revenue Tower for calculation of API. API is calculated by first computing the subindices of scale extending from 0 to 500 for each air pollutant measured at each air quality monitoring station based on the 1-hour, 8-hour and/or 24-hour average concentrations.
3.2.3 Operational elements
Emission standards for newly registered vehicles in Hong Kong have been progressively tightened since 1995. The most recent change is in 2012, when the government implemented the Euro V emission standards. A Euro V diesel vehicle emits about 95% less particulates and 78% less nitrogen oxides than a pre-Euro vehicle manufactured before 1995. Figure 3.9 shows the change of emission standards in Hong Kong as time goes on.
Figure 3.10 Comparison of Vehicle Exhaust Emission Standards - Large Diesel Vehicle (>3.5 Tones)
Source: the Environmental Protection Department of Hong Kong
Besides the emission standards, Hong Kong also tries its best to adopt advanced vehicle fuel standards. As from 1 July 2010, it has tightened the statutory motor vehicle diesel and unleaded petrol specifications to Euro V level. The major difference between Euro IV and Euro V motor vehicle fuels (both diesel and petrol) is the tightening of the cap on sulphur content from 0.005% to 0.001%. In terms of unleaded petrol, the sulphur content has also been improved from 0.015% to 0.005% since January 2005 when Hong Kong was in tandem with the European Union.113 In addition, the government also carried out a Smoky Vehicle Control Program that requires smoky vehicles spotted by accredited spotters to undergo a smoke test within a specified period. Failure to pass the test will result in the vehicle license being cancelled, and more than 21,000 vehicle license cancellations have been recommended since the implementation of the programmed in 1988.
In order to reduce air pollution, in 2000, the government earmarked $1.4 billion to introduce A Comprehensive Vehicle Emissions Control Programme aiming to reduce particulate emissions from motor vehicles by 80% by the end of 2005, and nitrogen oxides emissions by 30%. The investment was for providing grants to owners of diesel taxis and light buses for switching to cleaner alternatives, and for helping owners of older pre-Euro diesel vehicles to install devices that trap pollutants. Besides, tax relief on green vehicles is also one important element within this scheme.
As for negative incentives, with the help of the police to control smoky vehicles by mounting roadside smoke-testing operations, fixed penalty ticket will be issued to the owners of vehicles failing such smoke test. The fixed penalty for smoky vehicle was raised from $450 to $1,000 on 1 December 2000.
As for government communication, the government tries a lot to promote better vehicle maintenance and eco-driving. E.g., offering training sessions for vehicle mechanics on proper engine repair and maintenance to reduce smoke emissions from diesel vehicles.