Quota system ruled out for litter fines

OFFICERS would not be required to fill a quota when handing out fixed-penalty tickets to litterbugs, a top official said yesterday.

Secretary for Environment and Food Lily Yam Kwan Pui-ying said the new bureau would not put unnecessary pressure on staff to produce a big tally of fines.

Police did not have quotas for other offences and the bureau would follow their example, she said.

Mrs Yam announced the fixed-penalty proposal on Friday, although the idea had been raised by the now-disbanded municipal councils.

At present, magistrates set penalties for litterbugs, with fines ranging from less than $100 to several hundred dollars.

Speaking on a Commercial Radio programme, Mrs Yam said she would like to hear the public's opinions before finalising the plan.

The Urban Services Department, which used to prosecute litterbugs, had been accused of abusing its power.

Mrs Yam said the new bureau would upgrade training and provide guidelines to ensure officers were fair when fining people.