In 2009, more than 65% of the atmosphere pollution in Dongguan was caused by the exhaust fumes of motor vehicles, reported by the city's Environmental Protection Bureau recently.
With the acceleration of urbanization in Dongguan, there is an increasing number of vehicles in Dongguan. According to the Dongguan Urban System Planning (2005-2010), the urbanization level of the city will reach 80% in 2010 and 85% in 2020. Dongguan now has the second largest automobile holdings in Guangdong province. The dramatic increase of motor vehicles in Dongguan becomes a critical factor contributing to the environmental damage in the city.
Last year, the city's Environmental Protection Bureau conducted inspections on exhaust emissions of more than 6,000 vehicles in Dongguan and found that only 83% were qualified. The Bureau will further administrate those substandard automobiles via the issuance of vehicle environmental badges.
At present, a pilot program will be undertaken in public buses. All those buses that fail the exhaust emission standard will be required to install proper exhaust equipment. Buses still not meeting the standard after the installation of the equipment will be forced to be retired.
(By Tan Jing)
