Tougher fines targeting litterbugs take effect today

Citizens who litter and spit in public areas will face a tougher HK$3,000 fine as authorities’ bill on increasing the penalty for public cleanliness offenses comes into effect starting today (Sun). 

The fine for illegal shopfront extension on pavements and illegal disposal of construction waste or large amounts of other waste will also jump four times from the current HK$1,500 to HK$6,000. 

The seven scheduled offenses under the amended ordinance include display of bills or posters without permission, depositing of litter or waste in public spaces, spitting in public places, fouling of street by dog feces, depositing of litter in country parks and special areas, spitting in country parks and special areas, and marine littering. 

“In the past three months, the government has enhanced publicity and education to raise the awareness of the members of the public and relevant sectors on the new fixed penalty levels and to enhance their law-abiding awareness,”  a spokesman for the Environment and Ecology Bureau said. 

The spokesman also said the government will also conduct a public consultation on the second stage of legislative amendments this year to enhance the efficiency and deterrent effect of enforcement.