Good progress was made in reducing emissions last year, with the number of smoky vehicles falling more than 70%, Secretary for Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao says.

In the foreword of Environment Hong Kong 2004, the Environmental Protection Department's annual report published today, Dr Liao said nearly all diesel taxis and 80% of newly-registered minibuses are now running on LPG.

"Installation of emission reduction devices on pre-Euro light diesel vehicles is now a statutory requirement. The same will happen to pre-Euro heavy diesel vehicles after the current catalyst retrofit programme for those vehicles has been completed in 2004," Dr Liao said.

Compared with 1999, roadside concentrations of particulates and nitrogen oxides fell by 13% and 23% last year.

Dr Liao said a Regional Air Quality Management Plan has been drawn up with Guangdong authorities setting out enhanced air pollution control measures the two governments plan to implement to achieve emission reduction targets.

Views sought on harbour treatment scheme

Dr Liao said Stage One of the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme has brought considerable improvement to Victoria Harbour water quality.

"Despite that, we have to move on with Stage Two to provide adequate protection to our harbour in the light of the anticipated growth in population and economic activities in the HATS catchment," she said.

Public views on Stage Two are now being sought and the consultation exercise will last until November 20.

Solid waste recycling rate sees largest yearly increase

Dr Liao said the recycling rate of municipal solid waste registered the largest yearly increase, up from 36% in 2002 to 41% last year.

She said the growth in municipal solid waste disposed of at landfills has been arrested for four consecutive years, which compares favourably with the 3.5% annual growth rate previously.

A Legislative Council bill introduced in December for the implementation of a construction waste disposal charging scheme in line with the polluter-pays principle was passed on July 2.

Environment Hong Kong 2004 now on sale

With its theme of 'Working Together for a Sustainable Future', the report emphasises the department's work to enhance customer service and its continual efforts to form partnerships with stakeholders to tackle environmental pollution.

It also gives an account of co-operation with regional and international organisations on protecting the environment.

Chinese and English versions of the report, each with a bilingual CD-ROM, are available for $94. The CD-ROM is also available for $8.

Orders can be placed at the Government Bookstore online, by phone on 2537 1910, by fax at 2523 7195 or by downloading the order form from here or by emailing puborder@isd.gov.hk.