Infrared cameras to curb littering in Taipei
CNA 2012-09-13 11:43 (GMT+8)
A man dumping garbage on a street captured on camera. (Photo courtesy of Taipei city government)
The Department of Environmental Protection of the Taipei city government said Tuesday that 24 infrared cameras will be deployed in September at certain locations to curb littering in the city.
The department said during a trial run, three such cameras stationed in Wanhua district in March this year have proven effective by nabbing 160 cases of littering as of Sept. 4.
On average, each camera has recorded nine cases per month, which could replace one inspector, who catches a monthly average of 8.3 cases, the department said.
In addition, the cameras have more advantages in catching offenders who can escape from the dumping sites by scooter or car, as they can record license plates better than inspectors, it said.
The commissioner of the department, Wu Sheng-chung, said Taipei has made significant improvement in curbing violations, as the number of cases reported per month increased to 1,258 between January and August this year from 480 in the same period of last year.
Sales of designated garbage bags at convenience stores in Taipei between January and June also increased by NT$169,755 (US$5,720) from the same period of last year, he added.
