Taxi operators and drivers gave a lukewarm response to efforts to speed up the introduction of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). They said it would be expensive to buy and maintain the environment-friendly vehicles and demanded further concessions before the new timetable was finalised. Kwok Chi-chiu, who drives his own taxi, said: 'Refuelling needs to be addressed, though maintenance is also troublesome. After a minor accident, the taxi will go back to an LPG taxi-designated garages for repairs which could last months.' Driver Ben Kok said the Government should do more to curb pollution from buses. 'I am disappointed the Chief Executive did not bother to mention pollution from buses in areas such as Causeway Bay and Mongkok which is worse than taxis,' he said. Taxi Operators' Association chairman David Leung Shiu-cheong said setting a deadline for operators wishing to get grants to convert to LPG was unnecessary.
