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The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (December 30) appealed to members of the public to keep places clean and mind their safety while celebrating New Year's Eve.
The LCSD will work together with other government departments to implement a series of measures on New Year's Eve to maintain cleanliness and safety at LCSD venues, including Tamar Park, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC) Piazza, the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, the Avenue of Stars (AOS), Middle Road Children's Playground, Tsim Sha Tsui East Waterfront Podium Garden, Urban Council Centenary Garden, the Hung Hom Promenade, Sha Tin Park and Sha Tin Town Hall Plaza as well as the City Art Square, where large crowds are expected to participate in the countdown and celebration activities.
An LCSD spokesman said, "Our staff, together with law enforcement teams of relevant departments, will step up patrols and take action against littering, illegal hawking and vandalism of public property.
"People are urged to keep places clean and tidy while celebrating New Year's Eve. Defacing and damaging public property is prohibited at all venues. People should take away all their belongings when departing the venues and should not leave trash behind. Those who litter will be liable to a fine of $1,500."
He added, "In crowded areas, people should remain calm and take care of their own safety."
Meanwhile, parts of Salisbury Garden and the Avenue of Stars have been cordoned off due to renovation and repair works respectively. Notices have been posted to remind members of the public not to enter the partially cordoned area. In order to ensure an orderly flow of people, some positions will be classified as non-stopping areas and crowd management measures will be implemented. Visitors are advised to exercise tolerance and patience and take heed of instructions of the Police on-site.
The public announcement systems at the HKCC Piazza, the AOS, Sha Tin Park and Sha Tin Town Hall Plaza as well as the City Art Square will also broadcast anti-littering and crowd management messages in Cantonese, Putonghua and English on a regular basis during the holiday.
Ends/Monday, December 30, 2013
Issued at HKT 17:01
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