Illegal Billboard in Taiwan Lit by City Streetlights, Sparking Public Outrage

A large, illegal billboard in Hsinchu City, Taiwan, has become a focal point of public anger due to its continued presence and, more controversially, its nightly illumination by public streetlights. Residents are accusing the city government of enabling and even facilitating these violations, effectively turning public infrastructure into a free advertising service for illegal structures.

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The city government is condoning and encouraging this trend, and the advertisers are not afraid.

The billboard, erected on Chaiqiao Road in the southern district, is described as a significant eyesore that detracts from the city's appearance. What has particularly incensed locals is that the structure, built with scaffolding, stands directly beside a municipal streetlight that illuminates it throughout the night. This has led to accusations that the city is providing a "bright light" for illegal advertising, essentially mocking public authority.

Complainants have expressed frustration over the perceived inaction of the city government, stating that their long-standing complaints have gone unaddressed. They argue that the city's failure to remove the billboard, coupled with the free lighting service, emboldens illegal advertisers and demonstrates a lack of administrative efficiency or willingness to enforce regulations.

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Thank you for helping us light the way!

In response, the Hsinchu City Public Works Department stated that they will issue a formal notice or make a phone call to the advertiser, demanding the removal of the illegal billboard within a set deadline. The department assured that further action will be taken in accordance with relevant laws if the structure is not removed or improved upon by the deadline, aiming to preserve the city's landscape and public traffic safety.

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We will immediately notify the advertiser by official document or phone to set a deadline for improvement and self-removal.

This issue is part of a broader concern about the condition of Chaiqiao Road, which residents have previously highlighted as being in poor repair with numerous illegal advertisements. Despite media attention, the road's surface remains unrepaired, and the largest illegal billboard continues to stand, seemingly under the protection of city-provided lighting.

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If the deadline is not met, we will proceed with subsequent actions in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.