The owners of two goods vehicles which were involved in two cases of illegal waste disposal were convicted and fined a total of $6,000 at the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today (May 7) for contravening the Public Cleansing and Prevention of Nuisances Regulation. In addition to these two convictions, five other cases of the same kind are being scheduled for hearings in different district courts.
A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that to step up efforts to combat illegal construction waste disposal, the department had installed round-the-clock surveillance camera systems at various construction waste fly-tipping black spots across Hong Kong to assist in evidence collection and improve the effectiveness of law enforcement. In November last year and January this year, the department's surveillance camera systems on Lok Shan Road and Ha Heung Road in To Kwa Wan recorded footage of wooden cabinets and other waste being unloaded from goods vehicles on pedestrian paths, causing obstructions on the pavement and adversely affecting environmental hygiene. The department subsequently issued summonses to the registered owners of the two goods vehicles involved in accordance with the law.
The spokesman said in addition to the EPD's surveillance camera systems, the department conducted blitz operations in different districts regularly to strictly combat illegal disposal of waste. The department hopes that the above series of successful convictions against illegal waste disposal can strengthen the deterrent effect. The spokesman reminded all members of the renovation, construction and transportation sectors, including persons-in-charge of construction sites, workers and drivers as well as owners of goods vehicles, that they must properly deliver construction waste to the government waste management facilities in accordance with the law. It is unlawful to dispose of waste in public places or on the roadside. According to the Public Cleansing and Prevention of Nuisances Regulation, it is an offense to dispose of waste on the streets or in public places from vehicles, including goods vehicles, private cars and motorcycles. Registered owners may be prosecuted. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 and six months' imprisonment.
The spokesman urged members of the public to make a report to the department if they witness any illegal disposal of waste. They can record videos or take photos and call the EPD hotline at 2838 3111.
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