Ban on idling vehicles likely in Hong Kong

The green policy to ban idling vehicle engines look set to be launched in Hong Kong within the next 12 months, the local government's Secretary for Environment Edward Yau Tang-wah said.

Yau said both the public and the district councils had come to a consensus that Hong Kong had to move ahead with the policy to protect the environment despite the concerns expressed by the transport sector.

A five-month public consultation on the proposal to ban idling vehicle engines ended in March.

The government document suggests if a driver does not switch off his vehicle's engine when it is idle, he will fined HK$320 (US$41).