Emission standards may be tightened
Vehicle smoke emission standards may be tightened if transport officials agree to unify two different tests under more stringent guidelines.
This would potentially put countless more diesel vehicles at risk of failing these tests.
'We need time to discuss this with the trade and the Environmental Protection Department,' Transport Commissioner Robert Footman told the Legislative Council's Public Accounts Committee.
In 2003, the two departments reported that the transport industry opposed such a move. However, a report by the Director of Audit six weeks ago concluded that the existence of two smoke test standards was unsatisfactory and confusing.
It recommended that the two departments consider testing under a uniform standard. The Transport Department adopts the free acceleration smoke test with a benchmark measure of 60 Hartridge Smoke Units, while the Environmental Protection Department tests vehicles with a dynamometer under a stricter standard of 50 smoke units.
The Motor Trade Association of Hong Kong says vehicles up to 15 years old would be able to comply with the 50 smoke units minimum if properly maintained.
Hong Kong Polytechnic University associate professor Hung Wing-tat said that many vehicles still failed the tests, even with two different standards.
However, Mr Footman said that things were improving, with 96 per cent of all tested vehicles not exceeding 50 smoke units.
