Bimalka, March 2009
After completing the literature review on vehicle emission control strategy in Hong Kong, Prof Wing tat has arranged my self and Linh to visit EPD during the month of March. During my three day visit (6th, 17th and 18th March) programme was facilitated by Mr. John Wong, Environmental Protection Officer and Mr. SM Wong, Chief Environmental Protection Inspector of Vehicle Emission Control Section, Mobile Source Control unit.
This was a great opportunity for me to clarify unclear area of SVCP. I collected related information’s such as Road Traffic Ordinance, code of practice (COP), accreditation procedures of the centres and other related regulation procedures that in return help to improve our on-going programme in Sri Lanka. It was also gave me a chance to discuss malpractices, overcome corruption, how the equipment auditing, data recording is carried out by HKEPD. I also understand how the data transfer from the testing centres to EPD, how testing proceed at the centres etc.
Second day of my visit, Mr. SM Wong made a presentation on Smoky Vehicle Control Programme. Then we went to Remote Sensing testing site with Mr. William Wong and get experience on advanced equipments and techniques used. This activity was arranged by EPD for my request to study on going research work in the field of Remote Sensing. I greatly appreciate EPD for responding for my request and making necessary arrangements with Environmental Technology Consultants (ETC) Ltd. officials. They have selected a site closer to EPD and ETC officials explained the testing procedures. This gave me experience on how remote sensing technology was used for screening dirty Petrol and LPG vehicles and also how EPD carry out research activities with relevant organizations. After that we visited the designated imported vehicle testing centre laboratory belongs to ETC. Gary Parker gave me an excellent explanation on laboratory equipments. This gave me experience on how the testing is proceed at the centres and also collect related forms and documents that in return to improve Sri Lankan Programme.
On the third day we went to Yuen Long in New Territories to visit Vehicle Emission Testing Centre belongs to Crown Motors Ltd. When I went there I felt that John and SM have selected the best center for me to visit. This centre is responsible for EPD enforcement mechanism for diesel vehicles below 5.5 tonnes and also for diesel vehicles above 5.5 tonnes (for medium and heavy goods vehicles, single and double deck buses, and special purpose vehicles. This center has a designated CTC under Transport Department providing annual roadworthiness testing for petrol private cars and light goods vehicles below 1.9 tonnes. During our stay there was two light goods trucks and one double deck bus were present for testing. Also there were three petrol cars to receive annual roadworthiness testing from TD DCTC. Therefore I got exposure of all three type of testing equipments and how the testing was proceeding at the center.
I highly appreciate EPD for taking time from their busy schedule and sharing experience and knowledge related to Smoky Vehicle Control Programme and for their hospitality during my three days visit.
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