To encourage public cooperation in removing illegal advertisements, the Taoyuan City Department of Environmental Protection (TYDEP) organized a "Tear Off Ads for Prizes" public lucky draw event today (January 21st) at the second-floor staircase classroom of the Environmental Administration Park. A total of 38 fortunate winners were selected, winning prizes such as three 65-inch LCD TVs, five tablets, ten smartphones, and twenty variable frequency microwave ovens, among others. This allows citizens to participate in environmental protection efforts and also have access to exciting rewards and prizes.
On workdays, members of the public are entitled to receive one lucky draw ticket for every 2 kilograms of mini ads torn off (equivalent to approximately 200 sheets of A4 advertisement paper), which can then be exchanged for goods worth NT$ 50. In 2023, a total of 597 individuals participated in the campaign, contributing to the removal of 6,591 kilograms (approximately 650,000 sheets) of illegal ads. The list of winners and instructions for claiming prizes for this city-wide campaign will be posted on the Office of Environmental Management's official website (https://www.tyoem.gov.tw/) on the 22nd. Winners are encouraged to claim their prizes and must do so by presenting the original lottery ticket and personal identification card at the Office of Environmental Management’s office located at No. 1 Fazhi Road, Taoyuan District, Taoyuan City, before March 29th. Failure to claim prizes by the deadline will result in forfeiture.
TYDEP Director-General Shi-wei Chen emphasized the TYDEP's multifaceted approach to combating illegal advertisements to ensure traffic safety and keep the city neat and tidy. In addition to penalizing violators under the Waste Disposal Act, the TYDEP collaborates with telecommunications companies to issue suspension of telephone services in line with the Telecommunications Act. Furthermore, inter-agency cooperation has been pursued to enforce penalties according to the Real Estate Broking Management Act, to increase fines and dissuade unscrupulous businesses from unlawfully posting advertisements and compromising the city's cleanliness. In 2023, a total of 862,465 pieces of illegal advertisements were removed, resulting in fines totaling NT$6.44 million. This included 1,030 cases reported under the Waste Disposal Act, resulting in fines of NT$3.67 million; 7,166 cases under telecommunications regulations, leading to service suspensions; and 69 cases under the Real Estate Broking Management Act, resulting in fines totaling NT$2.77 million.
Director Shu-hao Chang of the Office of Environmental Management emphasized the importance of real estate agents utilizing legal channels for their advertising and marketing needs. They are encouraged to apply for permits to hang light pole banners or to legally post advertisements on public lampposts or bulletin boards to avoid breaking the law.