Lawmakers have been urged to await new proposals to improve air quality before attempting to introduce heavier fines against polluters. Kim Salkeld, Deputy Secretary of Planning, Environment and Lands, said comprehensive proposals would be provided after the summer break. The clean air programme would cover not only penalties, but also law enforcement, education and new equipment for testing emission levels of vehicles, Mr Salkeld said. Christine Loh Kung-wai, who chairs the Citizens Party, has proposed increasing the fine for smoky vehicles to $5,000. She was urged to withdraw her amendment to the Revenue Bill, now being scrutinised by a bills committee. She said: '[Mr Salkeld] has actually no intention of raising the fine right now. What he is saying is that he is going to give a lot of time to see an improvement.' Discussion would be postponed pending more information about the proposals, Bills Committee chairman Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee said.
