Clearing the Air
How many times have you wished you had a gas mask while you're waiting for a minibus in SK? Whether you're in front of the swimming pool, where the Mong Kok red minibuses idle before moving to their official starting point in front of the stadium or at the #1A depot near the waterfront, there's no way to avoid the fumes while waiting. Ann Davy-Hou, our local Clear The Air representative, would like help from the whole community to change this situation.
Surprisingly, this is not just a summer problem. Drivers claim their engines run more smoothly if they start them earlier, so, providing a cool environment for their passengers is not the only reason for fuel wastage and fumes in the air.
Although the Chief Executive is on record as saying that drivers should not idle their engines, there is no law to discourage them from doing so. There is a law, however, stating that a vehicle must have a driver inside if the engine is idling.
Ann has written to relevant government departments to suggest that they consider stepping up enforcement of the existing law and set specific time guidelines for drivers idling their engines. This will be especially significant when the minibus depot is moved to the north side of the sports stadium.
Would you like to join Clear the Air’s “Idling Engine Patrol”? It's a great opportunity to work with others in our community – just a few hours a month – to encourage drivers to keep SK’s air clean.
Contact Ann at: cleartheair@exploresaikung.com and she’ll give you more details about how you can help.