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The Leisure and Cultural Services Department today (February 5) appealed to people to mind their own safety and to keep places clean while enjoying the Lunar New Year Fireworks Display on February 8 (second day of the Lunar New Year).
They are urged to take away their belongings and not to leave behind trash or newspapers.
Measures have been stepped up to tackle littering, illegal hawking and vandalism of public property.
The department, together with law enforcement teams of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Police, will strengthen patrols in venues including the Piazza of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC), Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, Avenue of Stars, UC Centenary Garden and West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade where large crowds are expected.
Banners will be displayed and on-site announcements broadcast to visitors regarding safety and keeping places clean before and after the fireworks display.
Additional cleaning staff and security guards will also be deployed at the venues.
As part of community support for the campaign, youth volunteers will be at the HKCC to help spread the message of care for the environment and assist in the clean-up operation immediately after the fireworks display.
"Littering offenders will be subject to a fixed penalty of $1,500," a department spokesman pointed out.
The spokesman also reminded people who intend to go to the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront areas and West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade to stay calm and take special care of their safety in crowded places.
The elevated walkway of Hong Kong City Hall will be closed from 6pm on February 8, while its High Block will be closed for the whole day. The Low Block will remain open to the public.
Ends/Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:22
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