Zero tolerance: The Government will remove hygiene blackspots in private places first and recover costs from owners to safeguard public health.

The SARS outbreak has hard hit Hong Kong psychologically and claimed over 200 lives. But at the same time it has heightened people's awareness of personal and environmental hygiene, Team Clean chief John Tsang says.

This is conducive to further improving the city's cleanliness, he added.

Speaking on radio shows this morning, Mr Tsang stressed that public participation is always the cornerstone to sustain efforts in keeping the city clean.

To get them involved, the team consulted the community earlier on clean-up measures. Public education will also be stepped up to instill a sense of belonging among citizens.

On the plan to increase fixed penalties for littering and spitting to $1,500 from $600, Mr Tsang hoped the proposal can be realised before the summer holiday.

While tougher enforcement action will be taken, the team will consider imposing community service orders on top of the fixed penalty at a later stage.

Mr Tsang also stressed that immediate and visible improvements to private rear lanes and streets taken by the Government are needed to safeguard public health.

Cost will be recovered from owners and legal actions will be taken if they refuse to pay the cost.

The team will also consider suggestions for mandatory management of domestic buildings without owners' corporations.