South China Morning Post
How many more insults can this administration take over its proven failure to provide us (and itself) with such a basic human requirement as clean air?
Your editorials and correspondents have suggested taking filthy diesel trucks and buses off the streets without delay, even at taxpayers’ expense. It is argued that the benefits will far outweigh the costs.
This is my attempt to convince the government to act.
These cash-for-clunker programmes in some countries (where the government offers cash incentives to replace dirty vehicles) were a huge success during the last financial crisis. They can help the environment and the economy and have proved to be a very effective way to get old and dirty vehicles off the roads. Previous incentives were too small-scale to work.
The offers that are made must be substantial so that the pre-Euro IV vehicles are removed from our roads without further delay.
Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah has asked citizens to suggest the best use of taxpayers’ money ahead of next month’s budget. It would be a major breakthrough if he listened to us so we could all breathe more easily.
H. P. Kerner, Sai Kung