Lack of policy action on Hong Kong's pollutants is driving some environmentally conscious residents nuts. They have long rallied against the choking exhaust that vehicles are churning out.

Now air pollution is turning the skies above this territory of 6.8 million people grey, regardless of the weather.

The air in Hong Kong is getting so bad that even big businesses are becoming worried that their clients or partners may not want to come to HongKong.

The Hong Kong government blames the air-pollution problem mostly on vehicles that run on diesel fuel. Others blame it on smoke from factories and power stations and polluted particles drifting from across the Chinese border.

Air pollution affects the livelihood and health of people in Hongkong.

People who have young children are worried that the bad air quality can affect their health and make them fall sick more often. The government has also persuaded the old and those with respiratory problems to stay indoors when the air quality is really bad.

Air pollution also affects tourism. As the air can be choky at times, it may persuade elderly tourists from coming to the territory.

Air pollution has dire consequences on the territory. The government estimated the cost of air pollution -- in terms of medical care and loss of productivity -- at HK$3.8 billion (S$836 million) a year.

The World Health Organisation has warned that Hong Kong's current air quality could lead to 2,000 premature deaths annually. Some scientists have even predicted that the territory would be "unlivable" in 10 to 15 years' time if the present air quality is allowed to deteriorate.

The Hong Kong government plans to have an entire taxi fleet of 18,000 running on petrol by the end of 2005.

The sale of leaded petrol has been banned since April. Petrol is a cleaner fuel compared to diesel. By using unleaded petrol, the pollution by vehicles can be minimised.

The Hong Kong government also plans to fine drivers who park their cars and leave the engines running.

Residents have also proposed to close streets in dense districts such as Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui and Mongkok to vehicle traffic.

However, environmentalists say such measures are inadequate.

Many feel that the government should do more to coordinate efforts between government departments to fight the problem and form long-term solutions to minimise the use of private cars in crowded areas. They feel that public transport can be a viable alternative to cars. Also, many feel that heavy fines should be imposed on smoky, polluting vehicles.