THAT WAS FUN!

Despite asphyxiation from all the real-life testing on the curb, EPD's smoky vehicle spotter training was incredibly interesting and informative. Thanks to the encyclopedic knowledge and engaging personality of SM Wong, EPD's Chief Environmental Protection Inspector, who conducted the training, I learned a boatload of new facts, such as:
how a 4-stroke diesel engine actually works; (Despite spending every waking hour of my life branding diesel commercial vehicles the main public health culprit of hk's streets, I finally learned today how those engines work. Today's session also reminded me that CAN needs to explain to the public WHY diesel emissions are dangerous to the human body.);
only 1000 (or less) are active out of HK's 5000 registered spotters;
there are 10,000 reports of smoky vehicles per year, approximately;
there are 120,000 diesel vehicles on the road;
there are 3 remaining diesel-powered taxis in HK;
the police and the EPD jointly conduct about 10 sessions of random observation and testing
per month to monitor smoky vehicles ("netting" between 10-12 smoky offenders approximately per each 2-3 hour session);
the distinguishing characteristic of a "coach" as opposed to a "passenger van" (think, school buses) is a metal bar on the side of the vehicle between the vehicle's axles;
etc,
etc.

In short, what I expected to be a big snooze wasn't at all. Rather, for any resident of Hong Kong with a modicum of curiosity, this is a FUN and STIMULATING activity, which I would recommend highly provided the instructor is as well-informed and sociable as Mr. Wong.

That said, I will be writing a much longer analysis of how the entire training process can be streamlined so more members of the public (less avid than myself) can join the program.
If you care about Hong Kong, please WATCH this, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE_QaOjOHzw

What I REALLY think, http://cleanairnetwork.blogspot.com/

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Joanne Ooi
CEO
Clean Air Network
Shui On Centre, 6-8 Harbour Road
Room 1008, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Telephone 3971 0106