Author Archives: hksar gov

     A recycling site, Kwong Kei Lee Hardware, located at Ma Liu Shui San Tsuen in Fanling illegally stored hazardous electronic waste (e-waste). It was convicted and fined $15,500 at Fanling Magistrates’ Courts today (November 13) for contravening the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO) and the Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation.
      
     A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that during a blitz operation conducted in May this year, EPD staff raided a recycling site operated by Kwong Kei Lee Hardware at Ma Liu Shui San Tsuen in Fanling. It was found that the site illegally stored waste flat panel displays (FPDs) and waste printed circuit boards (PCBs), which are classified as chemical waste. During the operation, a total of around 300 kilograms of PCBs and more than 450 pieces of FPDs were found stored in some hidden places at the recycling site, with a total export market value of about $100,000. After evidence gathering, the EPD initiated prosecutions against the responsible person of the recycling site in accordance with the Regulation.
 
     The spokesman stressed that dismantled PCBs, LCD monitors and cathode ray tubes are hazardous e-waste, containing heavy metals and other toxic substances. They are classified as chemical waste and must be properly handled. Otherwise, they will pollute the environment and pose a risk to the health of relevant trade practitioners and the general public. The EPD will continue to conduct blitz operations to combat illegal collection, storage, handling, import or export of hazardous e-waste. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months’ imprisonment. For subsequent offences, offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $500,000 and two years’ imprisonment.

     Members of the public may visit the EPD’s website for more information about the control of chemical waste: www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/guide_ref/guide_cwc.html.

  

     A works contractor and a property owner illegally removed the asbestos roofs of a squatter house in Fanling and a residential flat in Tai Po by themselves. They were convicted today (November 13) at Fanling Magistrates’ Courts for contravening the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (APCO) and were fined a total of $9,000.
 
     A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that there were reports from members of the public in May about the illegal removal of asbestos roofs of a squatter house at Hung Leng Tsuen in Fanling and a residential flat at Dragon Court in Tai Po. Upon investigation, it was confirmed that the EPD had not been notified prior to the commencement of these asbestos removal works and no registered asbestos contractors were hired for the works as stipulated by the law. After evidence collection, the EPD initiated prosecutions against the non-registered works contractor and the property owner under the APCO.
 
     The spokesman said that to safeguard public health, asbestos abatement works at squatter structures or residential buildings must be carried out by a registered asbestos contractor in accordance with the statutory requirements and the code of practice on asbestos control to prevent the release of asbestos fibres from affecting the workers and public health. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months’ imprisonment. Anyone failing to give not less than 28 days’ written notice to the EPD prior to the commencement of such works is also liable to a maximum fine of $200,000.
 
     The spokesman urged members of the public who witness any illegal asbestos abatement work to report it to the department. They can call the EPD departmental hotline at 2838 3111 to help combat such illegal practices.

  

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 is 106 (down 0.1 against yesterday’s index). read more

     Special traffic arrangements will be implemented in Happy Valley tomorrow (November 14). The arrangements will come into effect one and a half hours before the start of the first race and will last until the crowds have dispersed after the race meeting.

A. Traffic arrangements before the commencement of the first race

1. Road closure

     Southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Queen’s Road East and the up-ramp outside Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) will be closed except for vehicles heading for Aberdeen Tunnel.

2. Traffic diversions

– Southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Village Road and the up-ramp outside HKJC will be re-routed one way northbound;
– Vehicles from eastbound Queen’s Road East heading for Wan Chai and Happy Valley will be diverted to turn left to Morrison Hill Road;
– Traffic along southbound Morrison Hill Road heading for Happy Valley will be diverted via Sports Road and Wong Nai Chung Road;
– Traffic along Queen’s Road East cannot turn right to Wong Nai Chung Road except for vehicles heading to Aberdeen Tunnel;
– Traffic from Cross Harbour Tunnel heading for Queen’s Road East will be diverted via the down-ramp leading from southbound Canal Road flyover to Morrison Hill Road to turn right at the junction of Wong Nai Chung Road and Queen’s Road East; and
– Traffic from Cross Harbour Tunnel heading for Happy Valley or Racecourse will be diverted via the down-ramp leading from southbound Canal Road flyover to Canal Road East, southbound Morrison Hill Road, Sports Road and Wong Nai Chung Road.

B. Traffic arrangements before the conclusion of race meeting

1. Road closure

     The following roads will be closed from 35 minutes before the start of the last race:

– The up-ramp on Wong Nai Chung Road outside HKJC leading to Aberdeen Tunnel;
– Southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Queen’s Road East and the up-ramp leading to Aberdeen Tunnel;
– Southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Village Road and the Public Stands of HKJC;
– Westbound Leighton Road between Wong Nai Chung Road and Canal Road East; and
– Southbound Morrison Hill Road between Leighton Road and Queen’s Road East.
     
     In addition, southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between the up-ramp leading to Aberdeen Tunnel and the Public Stands of HKJC will be closed from about 10 minutes before the start of the last race.

2. Traffic diversions

     The following traffic arrangements will be implemented from 35 minutes before the start of the last race:

– Eastbound Queen’s Road East at its junction with Morrison Hill Road will be reduced to one-lane traffic heading for northbound Canal Road flyover;
– Vehicles from Cross Harbour Tunnel heading for Wan Chai will be diverted via the down-ramp leading from Canal Road East, U-turn slip road beneath Canal Road flyover, Canal Road West and Hennessy Road;
– Vehicles from Cross Harbour Tunnel heading for Happy Valley will be diverted via the down-ramp leading from Canal Road East, eastbound Leighton Road and Wong Nai Chung Road;
– Traffic on southbound Morrison Hill Road will be diverted to turn left to eastbound Leighton Road;
– Traffic along southbound Morrison Hill Road heading for Happy Valley will be diverted via eastbound Leighton Road and Wong Nai Chung Road; and
– Traffic along westbound Leighton Road will be diverted to Wong Nai Chung Road.

C. Learner drivers prohibition
     
     Learner drivers will be prohibited to turn left from Caroline Hill Road to Leighton Road between one and a half hours before the start of the first race and one hour after the last race. In addition, learner drivers will be prohibited from accessing the following roads within the above period of time:

– Shan Kwong Road between Yik Yam Street and Wong Nai Chung Road;
– Village Road between its upper and lower junctions with Shan Kwong Road;
– Percival Street between Hennessy Road and Leighton Road;
– Canal Road East; and
– The service road leading from Gloucester Road to Canal Road flyover.

D. Suspension of parking spaces

     Parking spaces on southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Sports Road and Blue Pool Road will be suspended from 11am to 7pm during day racing, from 4.30pm to 11.59pm during evening racing, and from 5pm to 11.59pm during night racing.

     Any vehicles found illegally parked within the precincts of the above affected areas will be towed away without prior notice.

     Actual implementation of road closure and traffic diversion will be made by the Police at the time depending on traffic conditions in the areas. Motorists should exercise tolerance and patience, and follow the instructions of Police on site. read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:      Hong Kong Monetary Authority Exchange Fund Bills tender results:   Tender date : November 13, 2018 Paper on offer … read more