Is it worth it?: Think twice before you foul Hong Kong's streets. Enforcement officers are taking a zero-tolerance approach towards offenders.

People are reminded that the Government will take a zero-tolerance approach towards litterbugs, and it will vigorously enforce the new $1,500 fixed-penalty system when it comes into effect on June 26.

This was the message from the Deputy Director of Food & Environmental Hygiene Ingrid Yeung today.

The fixed-penalty system covers littering, spitting, unauthorised display of bills or posters, and dog fouling in public places.

She reiterated that relevant Government departments, including Leisure & Cultural Services; Housing; Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation; Environmental Protection; Marine and the Police, will take enforcement impartially.

She also called on offenders to co-operate and under no circumstances resort to violence against enforcement officers.

If anyone feels aggrieved and wishes to contest their culpability, the fixed-penalty system provides for a court hearing.

People should not vent their discontent on law-enforcement officers, she added.

The Legislative Council passed the increased penalty on June 18 to deter litterbugs from spoiling the city's hygiene.