A contractor who illegally used powered mechanical equipment to carry out construction works at night at a construction site for the Housing Department's subsidised sale flats on Ying Hei Road, Tung Chung was convicted and fined $50,000 at Eastern Magistrates' Courts today (June 17) for contravening the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO).

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) received complaints from members of the public and a property management company in June last year that construction works were being carried out at a construction site on Ying Hei Road, Tung Chung at night, generating noise and causing nuisance to residents nearby. After investigation, the EPD confirmed that the contractor of the construction site was using powered mechanical equipment, including concrete lorry mixers and a mobile crane, to carry out construction works without a valid construction noise permit during the period from 7pm to midnight. The EPD prosecuted the contractor of the construction site under the NCO after investigation and gathering evidence.

     The NCO aims to protect the public from disturbance of rest. An EPD spokesman emphasised that contractors must properly arrange for works to be carried out during the daytime on weekdays with a view to avoiding causing noise pollution and nuisance to residents nearby. According to the NCO, unless the contractor has obtained a valid construction noise permit, no powered mechanical equipment for any construction works shall be used between 7pm and 7am on the following day, or at any time on a general holiday (including Sundays). Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 on first conviction, and $200,000 on second or subsequent conviction. A daily fine of $20,000 can also be imposed for a continuous offence.

Ends/Monday, June 17, 2019
Issued at HKT 16:45

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