Unclean start

How unfortunate that 2002 should begin with the news that air pollution readings have reached their highest level for two years. A reading of 150 - the third highest ever - in Causeway Bay is truly alarming. Yet record-busting levels of pollution have become almost commonplace in recent years. The SAR has become a place with a far-reaching reputation for being seriously polluted and, therefore, for many people, a deeply unattractive place in which to live.

The truth, as residents know, is that there are many parts of the SAR that enjoy relatively clean air and an unpolluted environment; but there are now barely any of these smog-free zones on Hong Kong Island.

The experts explained that yesterday's high readings were due to meteorological conditions. This is poor consolation to those unfortunate people who have no choice but to be in the areas most badly affected. And each time the pollution readings make headlines, it is Causeway Bay that is cited as the place with the highest. Perhaps it is time to consider tackling this area in isolation, by pedestrianising more parts and reducing traffic volume in others. Causeway Bay is one of the most attractive tourist shopping areas. Millions flock there each year. Few can be impressed by the polluting smog that constantly shrouds the area.

There are many initiatives now being undertaken to dramatically reduce air pollution. The conversion of public transport vehicles to cleaner fuels will surely do much to improve the situation and there are healthy signs of the willingness of co-operation between authorities in the Pearl River Delta to tackle pollution. These, however, will not tackle the black spots. It is time for an imaginative initiative to remove a great deal of the traffic from the Causeway Bay area, particularly heavy public transport vehicles. The result could well mean not only cleaner air but that one of the SAR's premier shopping areas would be even more popular than it already is.