More than 18,000 people opted for public transport in the city's first no-car day yesterday, according to organiser Greenpeace.
Long the target of the green group's ire, Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen took part. He was greeted by a member of the green group dressed in a polar bear suit outside Government House as he deserted his chauffeur-driven car and took the sidewalk to work.
Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau Tang-wah was also on board for the inaugural campaign. He rode the MTR Island line to work yesterday morning.
'For its first year, it's a good show by the government's heads but Hong Kong is still lagging behind in transportation-related pollution matters and the government can do much more,' Greenpeace campaigner Prentice Koo Wai-muk said.
The green group on Monday used high-pressure steam jets to clean sections of pavement with the words 'Stop Driving, Save Climate' in front of landmarks such as HSBC headquarters, Sogo and the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier.
It is hoped the campaign - held on global no-car day - can cut vehicle emissions by more than half, Koo said.