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A truck driver, who was prosecuted by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) for contravening the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO), was sentenced today (June 15) to three weeks' imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts.
An EPD spokesman said that the EPD received a complaint in November 2015 regarding a case of illegal disposal of waste at Wing Lap Street in Kwai Chung. After investigation and tracing the information of the vehicle involved, EPD officers found that a truck driver had illegally disposed of trade waste at the area in October last year. The EPD then initiated prosecution against the truck driver in accordance with the WDO.
The truck driver was also prosecuted by the EPD for illegal disposal of trade waste at Wing Shun Street in Kwai Chung in July and August last year. He was subsequently fined $12,000 in January this year by the court.
Having considered that the truck driver was convicted for repeated violations of the WDO, the Magistrate decided that a prison sentence was required to deter future contraventions.
The spokesman reminded the commercial and industrial sector and the transportation sector, especially members from the logistics industry, to dispose of waste in accordance with relevant laws. Anyone who disposes of waste at public places or government land or without the permission of land owners will violate the WDO. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment. A maximum fine of $500,000 and six months' imprisonment may be imposed on second or subsequent convictions. In addition, a daily fine of $10,000 may be imposed for a continuing offence.
Ends/Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:16
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