HANOI, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Laos has banned the import of parts of second-hand automobiles for assembly to prevent air pollution and ensure safety standards, according to Lao newspaper Vientiane Times on Tuesday.

    The Lao government issued the ban earlier this month in response to strong criticism from local lawmakers, who expressed concern that Laos would become a dumping ground for old vehicles from other countries. Automobiles made from old parts generally emit large quantities of pollutants into the air, and are more likely to cause accidents, they said.

    A number of automobile factory owners in Vientiane capital city said they needed time to sell all their products made from imported second-hand parts to recover their investment, and then import new parts for continued assembling.

    The factory owners' concerns were reasonable, said Vang Phommasak, director of the Industry Department under the Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce, adding that he would ask the government to consider allowing a transition period.