Hong Kong's air quality problem continues to get worse despite the efforts of the government.
Previous measures were implemented to try and reduce pollution levels such as fitting catalytic converters and introducing unleaded fuel. But as the pollution has got worse, the policies of the past are now inadequate.
While these are measures which can still be implemented, the government should be trying harder to control the number of private cars on the road in Hong Kong.
Raising the registration tax for a newly purchased vehicle can minimise the number of private vehicles and help reduce emissions. It also has to offer subsidies so that there are more charging stations for owners of electronic or hybrid cars. If it is much easier to charge them then more Hong Kong drivers will switch to these vehicles and emission levels in the city will drop.
Also, the government must enact laws to ensure that there is good ventilation around new buildings and to limit height and lower density. And there must be an agreed proportion of parts of urban neighbourhoods to be designated green areas. There must be good road planning with clear regulations drawn up. And all legislation aimed at lowering air pollution levels must be strictly enforced.
Finally, cross-border pollution can be alleviated by cross-border cooperation. The Hong Kong administration must reach mutual agreements with the Guangdong authorities on how the air quality in Hong Kong can be improved.