On the evening of the 31st of last month, the Environmental Protection Department announced in a "raid" that about five and a half hours later, it would "one-size-fits-all" to cancel the exemption from noise and air emission regulations when classical cars were first registered. Huang Jinxing's social networking site "Pai Da" protested.
The Secretary once put forward a counter-proposal on social networking sites, pointing out that car owners can still apply for a "classic car driving permit", but the road limit is limited to 12 days in a year.
Some antique car industry refutes that classic cars over 30 years old are rarely used for daily transportation, and it is unfair to be accused of pollution and noise; "Classic cars use the "Classic Car Driving Permit" to speed on the road, like a "road bomb", and it is difficult to identify.
▼Past antique car parade and exhibition▼
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Antique Cars | The EPA suddenly cancels the exemption, the industry expects that more than 1,000 cars will not be able to land: a culture is no good
Under the new regulations, the exhaust gas and noise standards of classic cars are on par with those of ordinary private cars, causing dissatisfaction among many car fans and collectors.
Huang Jinxing tried to "fight the fire" in the message area of his social networking site, explaining that in 2020/21, the EPD conducted on-site roadside surveys and noise monitoring in hotspots of vehicle noise complaints. Among the more than 4,000 records, about one-seventh of them were suspected to be involved in modified exhausts. Tracheal private cars are the most popular models to apply for noise exemption emission requirements.
According to EPA records, a total of about 5,000 classic cars have been exempted from emission requirements in the past five years, of which more than 70% are the same as the above-mentioned models involving modified exhaust pipes.
Huang also pointed out that in order to reduce environmental noise and improve air quality, the relevant "discretionary exemption arrangement" has been cancelled from this month, but he did not explain the exact impact of classic cars on air quality.
The Secretary for the Environment, Wong Kam-sing, explained that in the past five years, about 5,000 classic cars have been exempted from emission requirements, of which more than 70% are the same as those involving modified exhaust pipes.
(File photo / Photo by Lu Yiming)
The director "appeared" on the Internet to explain the painting, but failed to quell public grievances and was criticized by collectors as a layman.
Liu Shuying, president of the Hong Kong Collector's Car Association, said that the number of classic cars held by each member varies from a few to dozens, and they are seldom used for daily transportation. It also needs to be repaired from time to time to retain its originality, and retrofitting an antique car will only lose its value.
Ma Dali, a classic car collector and vice president of the Hong Kong Collector's Car Association, also criticized that the government wants to crack down on illegal modifications, but chooses to "one size fits all" to completely revoke the exemption, which is an overkill.
Ma suggested that the authorities should require the vehicles that leave the factory after the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency to comply with the environmental protection standards that were produced in that year.
EPA says more than 70% of exemptions abused are for everyday mobility models
In response to the enquiry of "Hong Kong 01", the EPD explained that there are currently more than 5,000 classic cars or petrol cars imported by individuals in Hong Kong that are exempted from emission control.
The authorities have noticed that some car owners have abused the relevant exemptions. The exempted vehicles are not intended to be collectible vehicles. More than 70% of the vehicles are used for daily transportation, and they have even been converted into noise nuisance sources. After modification, roadside noise can exceed 90 decibels (A); and the pollutant emission rate of gasoline private cars manufactured 20 years ago is more than 10 times higher than that of new gasoline private cars that meet the current exhaust emission standards.
The "Classic Car Driving Permit" requires that "the vehicle applied for must be at least 20 years old, and the purpose of driving is only to travel from one venue to another, or only to participate in the activities organized/participated by the Hong Kong Classic Car Association or other recognized organizations. Activity".
(screenshot of application form)
"Classic Car Driving Permit" may be loosened
Wong Kam-sing also mentioned that car owners who intend to drive classic cars on the road can still apply for a "Classic Car Driving Permit" from the Transport Department.
Check the conditions for the issuance of "Classic License Plates", the authorities require "the vehicle to be applied must be at least 20 years old, and the purpose of driving is only to travel from one venue to another, or only to participate in the classic car club of Hong Kong or other recognized organizations. Activities organized/participated".
Liu Shuying pointed out that in the past, when a "Classic Car Driving Permit" was issued, a recommendation letter from a reputable car club must be obtained in advance to participate in the club's activities.
She said, "If there are no restrictions, everyone can apply by themselves. After 10 Japanese Supercars with similar models have obtained licenses, they can fly in Tolo Harbor without the need for a license plate. The government can't catch them." In disguise is to relax.
She also pointed out that even if the car owner declares that the purpose of driving is to go from point A to point B, it is difficult to monitor whether to follow the original route. It is like a "road bomb", and it is difficult to recognize speeding, and there is no need for a vehicle inspection, which may further encourage younger people. classic car modification.
Ma Dali also believes that in the past, the application for the "Classic Car Driving Permit" relied on the pre-screening of reputable cars, but the use did not include "taking out the power".
Transport Department says no applications for certificates due to recognized organisations have been granted
The Transport Department replied that it would approve and issue "Classic Car Driving Permits" on a case-by-case basis, mainly involving classic cars with at least 20 years of age participating in specific activities, generally charitable activities such as exhibitions or parades.
The conditions attached include the restriction that the vehicle in question can only be driven on the road for a maximum of 12 days within the 12-month validity period.
The applicant must also go through the formalities at the Transport Department after confirming the designated purpose, date and route of each activity, and the fee is 820 yuan per ticket.
In the past five years, the Transport Department has only issued 92 to 127 "Classic Car Driving Permits" each year.
A spokesman for the Transport Department said that based on records, no applications for failing to submit certificates issued by the Classic Car Club of Hong Kong or other recognised organisations have been approved.
As for traffic violations by owners using the permit, the police said they do not have relevant figures.
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