The 9th meeting of the Greater Taipei Environmental Protection Exchange and Cooperation Platform, bringing together Keelung City, Taipei City, New Taipei City, and Taoyuan City, successfully concluded on December 22. During the meeting, the four cities shared updates on recent joint inspection outcomes and the widely praised results of Taoyuan’s “Quiet Taoyuan” initiative. The meeting also included preliminary discussions on frontline personnel systems and welfare issues for sanitation workers, strengthening cross-jurisdictional exchange through this platform.
Through continued cross-city joint inspections, Taoyuan City has taken firm action to curb disturbances caused by illegally modified noisy vehicles. As of the end of November 2025, police had issued more than 1,000 penalties under the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act. To further enhance deterrence, amendments to the law proposed in 2023 by Taoyuan Deputy Mayor Su Chun-Pin have passed their third reading. Under the revised regulations, illegal exhaust pipe modifications will be subject to doubled fines and additional penalties, including license plate suspension. Beyond regulatory measures and penalties, the Department of Environmental Protection of the Taoyuan City Government (TYDEP), in coordination with the Traffic Police Corps and local police precincts, has strengthened joint patrols and roadside inspections. These efforts address not only noise violations but also public safety risks associated with illegal vehicle modifications. Through the combined implementation of institutional reforms and diversified control measures, Taoyuan’s “Quiet Taoyuan” Program received dual recognition in 2025 from CommonWealth Magazine and the National Sustainable Development Awards, underscoring the city’s achievements in noise prevention and innovative urban governance.
TYDEP noted that sanitation workers are the backbone of urban environmental hygiene, and their welfare remains a key priority. Accordingly, the meeting included exchanges on sanitation workforce–related issues. Given that supervisory personnel often bear heavier responsibilities in duty scheduling and on-site management, participants discussed the potential for incentive or reward mechanisms to recognize the efforts of frontline supervisors, alongside sharing practices adopted by different municipalities. In addition, experiences were also exchanged regarding compensatory leave arrangements for sanitation workers returning to duty after mandatory training or education mobilizations.
TYDEP emphasized that the Greater Taipei Environmental Protection Exchange and Cooperation Platform has become an important channel for the four cities to share environmental policies and frontline operational experience. Through regular meetings that facilitate the exchange of practical outcomes and institutional approaches, participating cities are able to learn from one another and improve environmental governance across the region.