On the night of June 28th, the Department of Environmental Protection (TYDEP) of the Taoyuan City Government, in collaboration with the Taoyuan Police Department and the Taoyuan Motor Vehicles Office, formed a joint inspection team consisting of 17 members to carry out a synchronized summer crackdown on modified noisy vehicles. Noise Control Section Chief Wu Hsiao-wan and Bade Precinct Chief Wang Hsuan-jen were present to supervise the operation, demonstrating the city government's commitment to the rule of law. The team flagged and inspected four large, heavy motorcycles and 17 regular heavy motorcycles. On-site testing revealed that eight vehicles, including three large heavy motorcycles and five regular heavy motorcycles, exceeded regulatory noise standards. These vehicles were immediately cited, and the owners were given a deadline to make the necessary modifications. Throughout the summer, the TYDEP will intensify inspections at night-time noise hotspots, popular night scenic spots, and mountain routes to deter the operation of modified noisy vehicles, thereby maintaining the quality of life and peace and quiet for residents.
During the "6th Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan Environmental Exchange and Cooperation Platform" meeting this year, the TYDEP shared the annual results of the "Silent Taoyuan Project." The four cities jointly proposed stricter noise control standards for 5th and 6th phase stationary motor vehicles, the establishment of night-time vehicle noise control standards, and increased fines for violations. These proposals will be collectively submitted to the central government. The four cities agreed to expand their joint night-time inspections of noisy vehicles during the summer break period.
To address the issue of noisy vehicles impacting the public, the TYDEP actively planned joint inspections with the police and the Motor Vehicles Office. As of May 31, 2024, the "Silent Taoyuan Project" had conducted 3,926 inspections, issued 2,153 citations for noise violations, resulting in a citation rate of 54.8%, and imposed fines totaling NT$5,266,800. Additionally, Taoyuan City is actively deploying sound-activated enforcement devices on key hotspots. Currently, 27 units have been installed, with plans to continue increasing this number. According to the TYDEP, unlike past mobile monitoring equipment requiring the stationing of on-site personnel, AI-powered smart monitoring technology now allows for unmanned remote operations, enhancing the efficiency of noise violation enforcement.
The TYDEP noted that the sound-activated enforcement system operates on a random schedule and location basis, covering areas such as the Zhonglu and Xiaokuaixi Redevelopment Zones in Taoyuan District, Bade District's expanded redevelopment zone and Gongyuan Road, Huanan Road and Zhongfeng Road in Pingzhen District, Wanshou Road and Dapingding area in Guishan District, Fenghua Road and Zhongshan Road in Luzhu District, and popular routes among motorcyclists like Taiwan Provincial Highway 7 and Luo Ma Highway.
The TYDEP reiterated that Taoyuan City is unwavering in its commitment to combating noisy vehicles. The "Silent Taoyuan Project" will continue with extensive law enforcement measures and the active implementation of various control measures in cooperation with other related agencies. Residents are also encouraged to report noisy vehicles via the Noise Vehicle Reporting Website (https://noisecar.moenv.gov.tw/public/home), aiming to restore peace and quiet to the community.