The Department of Environmental Protection of the Taoyuan City Government (TYDEP) recently received complaints from residents in Yangmei District regarding a white Mercedes-Benz frequently speeding through the access road near a community close to Longtan Science Park late at night. This behavior not only posed a serious threat to public safety but also created excessive noise due to an illegally modified electronic exhaust valve. Upon receiving the complaints, the TYDEP, in collaboration with the Yangmei Police Precinct of the Taoyuan Police Department, quickly tracked the reported vehicle using technological monitoring. The vehicle was soon located near Section 2 of Meishi Road, and the owner was swiftly fined. The violations fall under the Social Order Maintenance Act and the Noise Control Act, with a maximum penalty of NT$3,600.
TYDEP Acting Director Yeh Meng-Fen stated that authorities have identified noise pollution hotspots in Taoyuan, including Yong’an Fishing Harbor in Xinwu District, Qingpu Special District, and areas surrounding Luzhu District. Enforcement measures, such as on-site inspections and the deployment of sound-based traffic cameras, have been implemented to curb noise pollution from illegally modified vehicles. Yeh also reminded vehicle owners not to modify their exhaust systems and to abide by traffic regulations. If a vehicle is found violating noise regulations, it will be reported and penalized according to the law.
To protect Taoyuan residents’ quality of life, the TYDEP has collaborated with Academia Sinica and National Yunlin University of Science and Technology to develop new technologies for noise control. These efforts focus on multiple noise sources, including vehicle traffic, construction sites, aviation, and neighborhood disturbances. TYDEP will continue to utilize hardware innovations, AI technology, and interdepartmental coordination to establish a comprehensive AI-powered noise control system, ensuring a quieter living environment for all residents.
In addition to AI-based enforcement and diverse noise control measures, Taoyuan City has become a pioneer in managing noise generated by religious processions. TYDEP, in cooperation with the Department of Civil Affairs, is formulating a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for religious procession permit applications. This initiative aims to guide local temples in adjusting procession routes to avoid restricted areas or temporarily ceasing noise-producing activities when passing through designated control zones. Starting in 2025, the Quiet Zone 2.0 initiative will introduce quiet community regulations, implementing speed and noise reduction measures in 52 designated quiet communities to make Taoyuan a more comfortable and livable city.