ROAD SAFETY/Road safety group urges Legislature to reject easing of traffic penalties
![Local pedestrian rights group Taiwan Vision Zero Alliance and its supporters march on Saturday to call for the rejection of Cabinet-proposed amendments to a traffic penalty act. CNA photo March 23, 2024](https://imgcdn.cna.com.tw/Eng/WebEngPhotos/800/2024/20240323/1228x768_762933817850.jpg)
Taipei, March 23 (CNA) Local pedestrian rights group Taiwan Vision Zero Alliance and its supporters on Saturday took to the road around the Legislative Yuan to call for the rejection of Cabinet-proposed amendments to a traffic penalty act, which would remove some current violations and reduce penalties for others.
The proposed amendments in question were written for Taiwan's Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act which was initially greenlit by the Cabinet on March 7 before being taken to the Legislature for review.
The changes would mean that members of the public will no longer be able to report 10 "minor" traffic violations from an original list of 59 and would effectively ease punishments on traffic violations.
According to the proposed amendments, the 10 "minor" violations which have fines of up to NT$1,200 or less can no longer be reported by the public, with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) citing the heavy burden placed on police by skyrocketing reports of traffic violations as the reason for the changes.
Taiwan Vision Zero Alliance had released a statement on March 7 to condemn the proposed amendments before initiating the march on Saturday.
At the march, the alliance said it believes the underlying issues with Taiwan's road problems are the lack of respect for traffic education and injustice from authorities.
Pulling back regulations just to ease the burden on police officers is a regressive move, the alliance said.
The march was attended by around 200 people, including members of the alliance and lawmakers who publicly called out five demands, including asking the Legislature to reject the proposed amendments.
The group implored the Legislature to conduct public forums to listen to the voices of the general public.
The alliance also called for improvements to road infrastructure, the establishment of driver reeducation and reforms to traffic law enforcement.
- Taiwan sees 15.5% rise in pedestrian deaths in first quarter of 2024The number of pedestrians killed in traffic-related accidents during the first quarter of this year was 15.5 percent higher than the same period in 2023, according to data released Friday by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC).06/01/2024 05:24 PM
- Legislature passes new pedestrian sidewalk safety ruleThe Legislative Yuan approved regulations on Tuesday aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety as part of Taiwan's efforts to redeem its reputation tarnished by an article that called its traffic a "living hell."04/16/2024 04:43 PM
- Taiwan crosswalk system could get shake-up in bid for safety: MOTCTaiwan could see more green and white pedestrian crossings and more distance allotted for turning vehicles at intersections if a planned traffic amendment focused on improving pedestrian safety is implemented, according to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC).03/22/2024 08:29 PM
- Sports
Tai, Sun carry flag for Team Taiwan at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
07/27/2024 08:23 AM - Society
Schools, offices in some towns, districts to close Saturday
07/26/2024 10:51 PM - Society
Magnitude 4.6 earthquake shakes Pingtung
07/26/2024 10:30 PM - Politics
Mayor, lawmaker convicted of corruption face different outcomes
07/26/2024 10:02 PM - Society
Typhoon Gaemi causes 8 deaths, 866 injuries as of Friday night
07/26/2024 09:58 PM