The following is the question raised by the Hon. Christine Loh and the written reply given by the Acting Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Patrick Lau, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question :
With regard to the introduction of taxis fuelled by liquefied petroleum gas ("LPG") into Hong Kong, will the Government inform this Council :
(a) whether the existing LPG taxis imported from Japan used in the trial scheme of LPG taxis meet Hong Kong's specifications on vehicle engine;
(b) whether modifications to the design of the engine of these taxis are required if they are to meet such specifications; if so, whether it knows,
(i) the earliest date that such taxis with the modified designs can be manufactured; and
(ii) the estimated price of the modified taxis;
(c) the measures that the Government will take with regard to the licensing requirements of LPG taxis which do not meet such specifications; and
(d) whether the Government has any plan to enable the introduction of second-hand taxis which meet such specifications?
Reply :
Madam President,
(a) The existing LPG taxis imported from Japan used in the trial scheme of LPG taxis meet Hong Kong's specifications on vehicle engine.
(b) (i) There is no requirement to modify the design of the engine of the existing LPG taxis. We have however suggested some minor modifications to the refill connection fitting of the existing LPG taxis, in view of the common practice of the local taxi trade to carry out refilling during shift changes. These modifications can improve the efficiency in refilling operations and enhance safety. The manufacturers of Japanese LPG taxis have already commenced the design modifications and aim at making LPG taxis of the new design available by the end of 2000.
(ii) As the modifications are minor in nature, we do not expect any substantial changes in the price of LPG taxis arising from the modifications.
(c) All taxis have to comply with statutory requirements such as those for roadworthiness, safety and emission. Until such time as the modified LPG taxi type (i.e. with modification to the refilling connection fitting) is available, we will allow the import of new LPG taxis of the existing type.
(d) It has been an established practice of Government to permit only new vehicles to be registered as taxis so as to enhance the quality of taxi services, in terms of vehicle design, safety and maintenance standards as well as passenger comfort. Given that there are numerous supply sources of new LPG taxis from different countries and our interim arrangements mentioned in (c) above, we do not see a need to change our established policy on new taxi licensing at this stage.
End/Wednesday, January 20, 1999
NNNN