Proper display of building numbers urged

The department has launched a city-wide campaign on 7 December 2009 to ensure the proper display of building numbers.

About 100,000 letters with leaflets will be sent to owners and tenants of ground floor shops, owners' corporations and mutual aid committees to encourage the proper display of building numbers. Posters will also be distributed.

In addition to benefiting the public, the correct display of building numbers enables public services, like postal and emergency services, to be provided more efficiently.

The department is responsible for the allocation of building numbers throughout Hong Kong and for ensuring the display of correct building numbers.

To make building numbers clearly visible, a spokesman for the department gave the following advice:

• The number should be located above or at either side of the entrance to the premises and should not be obscured.
• The recommended minimum height for each number is 50mm and width is 40mm.
• The colour of the number or number plate should contrast clearly with its background.
• Damaged numbers should be repaired and missing numbers replaced as soon as possible.

Department staff will carry out regular spot checks to ensure the display of correct building numbers.

Building owners were required by law to display building numbers and those who failed to do so were liable to a maximum fine of $2,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.