Gov't targets zero bus emissions

September 09, 2013

The use of zero-emission buses on Hong Kong roads is the Government’s long-term goal to ease roadside air pollution and improve overall air quality.
 
That was the message from Secretary for the Environment KS Wong today, admitting the target is ambitious and needs to be achieved in phases.
 
“We launched our Clean Air Plan in March to set the target and also the timeline to meet the objective,” he said, adding the goal is to meet the new air quality objective by 2020 and concrete plans are in place for the Government to follow.
 
The Government has subsidised a pilot scheme on the use of zero-emission franchised buses to get solid data and public feedback before considering how to expand the plan.
 
Mr Wong said the Council for Sustainable Development will launch a public engagement on the quantity-based waste-charging scheme by the end of this month at the earliest.
 
It is an important step and the Government looks forward to receiving feedback on the scheme, he said.
 
On the issue of using country park areas for housing, Mr Wong said Hong Kong is facing various social issues, from air quality, ecological conservation, to housing and also other social needs, and a balanced way to look after all these issues is necessary.