I have been an official spotter for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) for many years and have reported hundreds of cars. I have realised that I am wasting my time and have given up reporting. We are treating the symptoms but ignoring the causes. When I read that the Government blames the lack of wind for the high air pollution index, I question the seriousness of such statements. One thing is absolutely clear: the people in charge are not interested whatsoever in reducing the pollution level in Hong Kong. Years ago I wrote to the EPD and was informed that we would test LPG taxis. Why do we need tests when it has been implemented in Japan for a long time? Why are buses, minibuses and taxis allowed to keep their engines running while waiting for passengers? Today's proposal to close certain roads to traffic will not improve the air quality. The traffic will have to use other roads and these will be jammed even more, resulting in even higher pollution levels. May I ask Miriam Lau Kin-yee to explain to the public how legislators have been 'very supportive' of the switch to LPG taxis? How many years does it need to implement such a strategy? Any company that would operate in such a manner would be out of business rather quickly. Please assume that the average person cannot be fooled that easily! Who will pay for the increased health costs? How can we explain our present inactivity to our children when they grow up? Don't our legislators hear the clear warnings from the health sector? ANTON JEKER Hong Kong
