Heavy fines will be imposed for spitting in public places in Changsha, the capital of central south China's Hunan Province, in an attempt to restore civility to the streets, according to local sources.

Under a revised regulation on city sanitation recently issued by the local people's congress, spitting in public places will carry a penalty of up to 200 yuan (US$24) beginning in late June.

In normal situations, the fines will range from 20 yuan (US$2.4) to 50 yuan (US$6), however, resisting the imposition of the fine will result in fines of between 50 yuan (US$6) and 200 yuan (US$24).

According to Kong Guangming, vice-chairman of the standing committee of the local people's congress, the revision of the regulation is aimed at preventing and controlling infective diseases like the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Apart from public spitting, fines have also been imposed for the improper disposal of chewing gum and dead animals in public places.

(Xinhua News Agency July 10, 2003)