Free to air: Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao says an air flow study will be conducted to ensure the proposed 'groundscraper' in the new Central harbourfront concept plan will not affect the district's air flow.

Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao says the Planning Department will conduct an air flow study to ensure the proposed 'groundscraper' in the new Central harbourfront concept plan will not affect the district's air flow.

Speaking on a radio talk show today, Dr Liao said the department will conduct a study to further refine the existing urban design framework. She said the nine-storey building will not have a negative impact on the district's air circulation.

Supporting the idea of introducing more green facilities in the harbourfront area, she said the department will study ways to enhance the proposed waterfront promenade's utilisation.

Air pollution

On air pollution, Dr Liao said the problem must be tackled at local, regional and global levels, adding an effective co-operation mechanism with the Guangdong authorities has been established.

She said six power plants in the province have recently installed desulphurisation facilities and seven more will finish the installation by the end of the year. Another seven power plants will install the facilities by the end of 2007.

Turning to green consumption, Dr Liao said the Government is studying the possibilities of introducing tax concessions to encourage people to buy gasoline-electric hybrid cars. However, she said a sufficient supply of the emission-free vehicles is a prerequisite for introducing any tax concessions.