Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 5. Characteristics of the Air Pollution Control Regulations (Diesel-to-LPG Scheme) in Hong Kong
Regulatory
Characteristics
Regulatory Details and Impacts on
Technological Environmental Innovation
Level
Goal-setting
The Air Pollution Control Regulations only focussed on the medium-term goal of forcing taxis
to switch to the LPG fuel (from 2000-2006) (EFB, 2000). The pathway after complying with
the existing LPG requirements is unclear.
●●○
Outcome-oriented
It tightened emission and fuel standards under the Air Pollution Control Regulations and forced
diesel taxis to be replaced by LPG taxis. However, it did not incentivize a continuous search
for more innovative solutions.
●●○
Stringency
The fuel and emission standards under APCRs were in tandem with the most stringent standards
adopted in EU, USA and Japan (EPD, 2005 and 2006).
●●●
Flexibility
As LPG is the
de facto
standard under the policy, there is little choice of other technologies.
However, the extended phase-in period provided some flexibility in the compliance schedule.
For instance, taxi vehicles were exempted from the requirement of EURO III fuel and emis-
sion standard applicable for motor diesel vehicles in 2001. The same standard had not been
implemented on taxi vehicles until 2003 to give more time for the taxi trade to switch to LPG
(EFP, 2000).
●○○
Certainty
The progressive tightening of emission standards was announced before the proposed standards
and was enforced as scheduled (ACE, 1999c).
●●○
Consistency
The APCRs governing the emission and fuel standards on taxis is consistent with similar regula-
tions governing other types of diesel vehicles (EPD, 2005). However, the regulatory process
is not consistent. There is no formal procedure governing when public consultation and policy
update should be made in other environmental regulation exercises.
●○○
Incentive-based
LPG fuel tax exemption and attractive one-off subsidies for diesel-to-LPG replacement prompted
quick retirement of diesel taxis before mandatory implementation (EFB, 2000; EMSD, 2002).
●●●
Voluntary-based
The APCRs were primarily designed for a one-off switch to LPG taxis. They do not promote
continuous and voluntary upgrade of the emission/fuel standard through innovation.
○○○
Information-coupling
LPG taxi trials were conducted with the taxi trade to collect important operational data. It
provided useful information for the regulators to evaluate the costs/benefits, operational char-
acteristics of LPG taxis. It helped the regulators to formulate the requirements for the switch
(PELB, 1998a; TB, 1997).
●●●
Participatory
Consultation and partnership were found between the taxi trade, the government, as well as
other stakeholders (PELB, 1998a, 1998b and 1999) during the trial scheme, policy and regula-
tory introduction and implementation.
●●●
Process-based
The APCRs were not dynamic and process-based. While consultation and partnership facili-
tated the stakeholders to switch to LPG taxis, the authority did not offer formal procedures to
initiate public hearings and to respond to the public's queries or suggestions. As the regulation
mandates a once-for-all switch, the authority largely determined the regulatory standards and
pathway. They did not build in mechanisms to review the regulatory conditions, stakeholder
views or new technologies.
●○○
Capability enhancing
Trial programmes, seminars and trainings, and infrastructure support were provided to help the
taxi trade to transit towards LPG. Stakeholders, such as fuel suppliers, vehicle suppliers became
familiar with the LPG technologies more quickly. The government also responded quickly to
the need for developing more LPG fuelling stations upon the trade's demand (EMSD, 2002)
●●●
Source: Adapted from EFB (2000); EPD (2005 and 2006); EMSD (2002); PELB (1998a, 1998b and 1999); TB (1997)
participated, negotiated with the government, and
quickly retired their diesel vehicles. Second, the
Air Pollution Control Regulations in relation to
diesel-to-LPG replacement are carefully supported
by thorough public consultation, strong incentive
package and various capability-enhanced policy
measures (see Table 3). The enforcement of the
policy did not provoke resistance from the trade
and accelerated the adoption of the cleaner LPG
technology.
