Policy Address

Promoting the Use of Electric Vehicles

67.       We are working on the strategy and specific measures to promote the use of electric vehicles. The ENB has been working with a number of electric vehicle manufacturers. We expect a supply of around 200 electric vehicles for the local market in the coming financial year. The Government will work with the two power companies to launch an electric vehicle leasing scheme by the end of 2010. Upon implementation of these two programmes, Hong Kong will rank second in Asia, after Japan, where electric vehicles are most widely used.

Air Quality Objectives Review

68.       The Government is determined to improve air quality to protect public health, and is consulting the public on the Air Quality Objectives (AQOs) Review. The public consultation will end in November 2009. We propose to use the Air Quality Guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) as our long-term goal, and adopt the WHO's interim targets to update Hong Kong's AQOs in stages. These proposed new AQOs are very stringent and comparable to those adopted by other advanced countries such as the European Union and the US. Upon completion of the public consultation, the Government will update the AQOs and formulate long-term air quality management strategies. To achieve the new AQOs, it is necessary to take forward the 19 measures relating to emission controls, traffic management, infrastructure development and planning, and energy efficiency. It calls for concerted actions from all quarters in the community, including the Government, the trades and the public. The Chief Secretary for Administration will co-ordinate the relevant work.

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