FEHD to extend IP camera installation scheme to all districts
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A spokesman for the FEHD today (May 29) said, "The FEHD launched a six-month pilot scheme on installation of IP cameras at six refuse deposit blackspots in Central and Western, Sham Shui Po and Yuen Long districts in late December 2016, which has effectively curbed illegal deposits of refuse through targeted surveillance and enforcement actions.
"In view of these encouraging results, the FEHD, after consulting all District Councils, will extend the scheme to cover about 80 refuse deposit blackspots in the territory for a trial period of one year. When the scheme commences next week, IP cameras installed at 46 blackspots in various districts will be ready for use (see Annex), and installation work at the remaining blackspots will be conducted progressively. FEHD officers will closely monitor the targeted blackspots and suitably adjust its action plans in light of actual circumstances, including the change of IP camera locations in a timely manner, so as to enhance the effectiveness of enforcement actions."
The spokesman said that the FEHD is implementing the arrangements in accordance with the Guidance on CCTV Surveillance and Use of Drones issued by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, including posting notices in the areas covered by the IP cameras. In addition, the department has formulated clear operational guidelines, and requires staff to strictly comply with the provisions on the manner of collecting personal data under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap 486) and to handle privacy matters properly. The disclosure of images captured is restricted to the extent necessary for legal action to be taken. Should no prosecution be instituted against irregularities within six months, the images so captured will be deleted.
The spokesman stressed that the FEHD would continue to combat illegal refuse deposits in a multi-pronged manner. Members of the public are urged to observe the laws and be civic-minded. They should deposit refuse properly or may be prosecuted. Since mid-2017, the department has set up six dedicated enforcement teams to step up enforcement actions against various public cleanliness offences.
The scheme will be reviewed one year after implementation. The installation locations of the IP cameras will be uploaded to the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk).
Ends/Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Issued at HKT 19:34
Issued at HKT 19:34
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