Green activists and transport unions have united to test a smoke filter, designed by a local inventor to reduce emissions.
The filter by engineer Alan Yip Chi-wing could cut more than 30 per cent of particulate emissions from light diesel vehicles, said Friends of the Earth assistant director Edwin Lau Che-feng. It was tested at the University of Hong Kong early this year, and 10 vehicle associations representing taxi, lorry and mini-van drivers will join the trial scheme.
About 50 vehicles will take part in road tests. Mr Lau hoped the filter could be added to all light diesel vehicles if the trial is successful. 'It will serve as an interim solution to help reduce diesel vehicles' emission while we are drawing other long-term policies.' he said. 'The filter can improve our air quality significantly. It is welcomed by the vehicle trade as it reduces the chances of drivers being fined for pollution.' Mr Yip has obtained a patent for his invention, which took him two years to build. 'I believe this is the first of its kind in the world. We hope it can be put into service as soon as possible.
'I first came to the idea when I returned from Europe. The air quality here is so poor, so I decided to design and make a special filter for the vehicles.' The filters sell for $980 each.
