Letter to the Editor of SCMP - Response to reader's letter relating to air quality
Dear Sir
We refer to H P Kerner's letter "Departments play the blame game over air, 25 May".
The Chief Executive, C Y Leung, has been putting emphasis on improving air quality since he assumed office in July 2012. He committed to various air quality improvement measures in his first policy address in 2013; and continued to highlight the importance of dealing with air pollution in each subsequent policy address.
For example, it is with the chief executive's support that we have been able to implement three major schemes to reduce emissions from diesel commercial vehicles, taxis and public light buses, as well as franchised buses. He was also fully in support of new initiatives to deal with marine emissions, leading to two new legislation on cleaner marine diesel being sold in Hong Kong, and on requiring ocean-going vessels to switch fuel at berth.
Departments are continuing to collaborate. There is a consensus within the government on the growth of private cars, which needs to be addressed. Mr Kerner's accusations are unfounded.
Christine Loh
Under Secretary for the Environment
SM Yau
Under Secretary for Transport and Housing