Surveillance camera system used in successful prosecution of driver for illegal disposal of renovation waste
***************************************************************

     A light goods vehicle driver who illegally deposited renovation waste at Lai Chi Kok Road in Cheung Sha Wan was convicted and fined $5,000 by Kwun Tong Magistrates' courts today (September 21) for contravening the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO).

     A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that the surveillance camera system, installed by the department at Lai Chi Kok Road, captured a light goods vehicle driver illegally dumping 20 bags of renovation waste, including rubble and debris, on the pavement in March this year. With the licence plate information captured by the video camera, the EPD traced the involved driver and subsequently prosecuted him in accordance with the WDO.

     The spokesman said that the area was a fly-tipping black spot for renovation and construction waste in Sham Shui Po. To step up efforts to combat illegal waste disposal in the district, the EPD has installed surveillance camera systems to assist enforcement officers in their investigation work. Since early this year, the EPD has made 13 successful prosecutions of illegal waste disposal in the district.

     Illegal disposal of renovation and construction waste in public places not only causes road obstruction, but also adversely affects environmental hygiene. The spokesman reminded renovation contractors and members of the transport trade that they should not illegally dispose of waste in public places, as doing so constitutes an offence under the WDO. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment.

Ends/Thursday, September 21, 2017
Issued at HKT 17:00

NNNN