Contractors of carriageway resurfacing works in Siu Sai Wan Road convicted for illegally carrying out construction works at night

     The contractors of carriageway resurfacing works in Siu Sai Wan Road, Chiu Hing Construction & Transportation Company Limited and Wah Fung Engineering Company Limited, failed to comply with the requirements of the construction noise permit (CNP) and caused noise nuisance to nearby residents. They were fined a total of $20,000 by Eastern Magistrates' Courts today (June 25) for contravening the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO).

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) received several reports from members of the public in January that the night time works at Siu Sai Wan Road caused noise nuisance. The EPD's site inspection revealed that the contractor did not comply with the CNP requirements while carrying out carriageway resurfacing works during restricted hours, which included the use of multiple items of powered mechanical equipment concurrently and without using noise enclosures. The EPD immediately revoked the CNP of the construction site and informed the Highways Department. The two contractors concerned were then prosecuted by the EPD after evidence gathering.
      
     The NCO aims to protect the public from disturbance of rest. An EPD spokesman stressed that construction contractors should schedule works for the daytime and non-general holidays as far as possible, so as to minimise noise nuisance to the surroundings. If the construction works have to be conducted during the restricted hours (between 7pm and 7am on the following day, or at any time on a general holiday), the contractor has to obtain prior approval from the EPD. Only specified powered mechanical equipment can be used for the construction works and contractors must also implement noise mitigation measures to minimise noise nuisance as stipulated by the CNP. Otherwise, it constitutes an offence. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000. A maximum fine of $200,000 may be imposed on second or subsequent conviction.