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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), in collaboration with six other Government departments, will vigorously enforce the new $1,500 fixed penalty provision when it comes into effect on June 26 (Thursday).

Speaking at a press conference this (June 23) afternoon, Deputy Director of the FEHD, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, said that a "zero tolerance" and stricter enforcement will be taken against public cleanliness offences.

She reminded that following recent amendment of the Fixed Penalty (Public Cleanliness Offences) Ordinance, the fixed penalty for littering, spitting, unauthorized display of bills or posters and fouling of streets by dog faeces had been increased from $600 to $1,500, as part of the Team Clean crackdown on these offences.

"We will enforce the new fixed penalty system vigorously and impartially to bring home the message of keeping a clean and healthy environment," she stressed.

Mrs Yeung explained that all enforcement officers would show their departmental warrant cards when issuing the fixed penalty notice and would request the offender to provide his/her name, address, contact telephone number and proof of identity for inspection.

"It is against the law if the offender fails to supply the necessary personal particulars and produce proof of identity without reasonable excuse. The offender is liable to a maximum fine of $5,000. In addition, any person who knowingly provides false or misleading information will be liable to a fine of $5,000 and to imprisonment for six months," she warned.

"Offenders are reminded that they would not be required to pay the fixed penalty to any enforcing officer on the spot. Instead, they may pay through various prescribed channels within 21 days from the date of issue of the fixed penalty notice.

"They can pay by post, through a bank automated teller machine, phone service, internet, phone-banking service, or in person at any post office."

Mrs Yeung appealed to the public to keep public places clean, but called on littering offenders to cooperate with the enforcing officers and in no circumstances should they resort to violence against the officers.

"Law enforcement officers have a duty to carry out the law and people should not vent their discontent on them," she added.

"If anyone feels aggrieved and wishes to dispute his liability, the fixed penalty system provides for hearing by the court. He may lodge the request for a court hearing to the department through a telephone number printed on the back of the fixed penalty notice."

Mrs Yeung also drew the public's attention to certain behaviour which also constituted an offence for which a fixed penalty notice would be issued. They are :

* depositing litter into a receptacle in public streets, e.g. wicker basket, uncovered carton box and not a proper FEHD litter container;

* spitting into a road gully;

* spitting into a litter container; and

* a dog owner has tried to clean up his dog's faeces but happens to be running out of paper.

"Together with civic education, we hope that the fixed penalty system could help change the mindset of people to play their part in continuing to keep Hong Kong clean," she said.

In addition to the FEHD, designated public officers from the following six other Government departments have been authorized to enforce the legislation: the Leisure and Cultural Services Department; Housing Department; Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department; Environmental Protection Department; Marine Department and the Hong Kong Police Force.

End/Tuesday, June 24, 2003

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