Taipei Lunar New Year Market to ban cars, enforce no-smoking rules

Taipei, Jan. 30 (CNA) The Taipei Lunar New Year Market will run from Saturday through Feb. 15, and Dihua Street and nearby streets will be pedestrian-only, the Datong Precinct of Taipei City Police said Friday.

All automobiles will be banned from entering Dihua Street Section 1, from Nanjing W. Rd. to Guisui St., daily from noon to midnight during the market, the police said.

Intersections around the market, including Minle St., Guisui St., and Minsheng W. Rd., will be subject to periodic one-way traffic controls or no-left-turn restrictions, the police added.

Huayin Street, from Chongqing North Rd. to Taiyuan Rd., and the rear entrance of Taipei Main Station will also be closed to vehicles from Friday through Feb. 15, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., the police said.

For Ningxia Night Market, vehicle entry will be prohibited daily from 4 p.m. to midnight through Feb. 22.

Police will monitor traffic around the clock with CCTV and deploy rapid-response units to handle congestion or other incidents, including illegal parking, during the market.

The Taipei City Department of Health said smoking will be prohibited throughout the Lunar New Year Market, including alleys near Dihua Street.

The department said that patrol teams will display placards and disseminate rules via broadcast and text messages. Violations will result in fines ranging from NT$2,000 to NT$10,000.

A temporary smoking area has been set up in the square next to Gate No. 5 of Dadaocheng Wharf. Smokers are urged to remain in designated areas and refrain from smoking while walking, said the department.

During the market, buses including Routes R33 and 811 will bypass the "Dihua Street" stop at Minsheng W. Rd., Datong District.

The Public Transportation Office said operators have been instructed to run buses more frequently on weekends and between 4 p.m. and midnight on weekdays to accommodate market traffic.

The Taipei City Office of Commerce will also operate three shuttle bus routes for visitors. More information is available at https://pto.gov.taipei/