A new team led by the Chief Executive should be set up to improve air pollution, a cross-party coalition has urged.
The coalition, formed by all political parties and five non-affiliated members in the legislature, came up with 13 recommendations, mainly targeting vehicles, after their second meeting yesterday.
The package was hammered out amid a warning by the Asian Development Bank that Hong Kong must improve its environment or risk hampering its economic recovery and reputation as an international city.
An international conference due to be held in Hong Kong was cancelled by the host over pollution concerns.
The parties yesterday suggested raising fines for smoky vehicles from $450 to $1,000 for first offenders, $2,000 for second offenders and $5,000 for a third offence within 12 months.
Other recommendations include the quick passage of legislation forcing drivers to switch off their engines while parked; tackling the sale of illegal diesel fuel; encouraging diesel taxis to switch to liquefied petroleum gas; and increasing the number of LPG gas stations.
