Taipei councilors slam road markings, pedestrian walkways after 1,000+ complaints

Taipei city councilors and candidates have voiced strong criticism over the city's road markings and the design of its "line-type pedestrian walkways." They argue that these markings are often poorly implemented, leading to a multitude of problems for pedestrians and causing significant public dissatisfaction. The "Taipei Good Governance Alliance" coalition, including councilors Lin Yen-fen and Yen Jo-fang, along with candidates Liu Pin-hsin and Kuo Fan, held a joint press conference to highlight these issues.

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Taipei's line-type pedestrian walkways have many issues, including lamp posts blocking the way, fragmented shapes, and lack of supporting facilities.

Councilors presented numerous examples of problematic designs. In the Daan district, a line-type pedestrian walkway on Linjiang Street was found to have an old clothes recycling bin placed directly on it, creating a hazardous obstruction. Similarly, in the Shilin district, confusing markings around a traffic circle on Danan Road have led to illegal parking and potential danger. In the Zhongshan district, road markings near Nong'an Park created a confusing gap between parking spaces, leading people to believe it was a no-parking zone, potentially resulting in fines.

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The 1999 system has received over 1,000 complaints since the beginning of the year regarding line markings, line-type pedestrian walkways, and traffic problems.

These issues have translated into a significant number of public complaints. Lin Yen-fen reported that the city's 1999 hotline has received over 1,000 complaints related to road markings and pedestrian walkways since the beginning of the year. She highlighted concerns about line-type walkways on curved roads not accounting for vehicle inner-wheel differences, potentially endangering pedestrians. Candidates Liu Pin-hsin and Kuo Fan also shared examples, such as lamp posts obstructing walkways in Wenshan District and markings placed over storm drains in Xinyi District, posing risks to individuals using mobility aids or high heels.

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We urge Mayor Chiang, who is in Singapore, not to just feel proud about receiving awards, but to listen to the voices of the people.

The councilors urged Mayor Chiang Wan-an, who was reportedly in Singapore, to pay attention to the public's concerns and not just focus on receiving awards. They called for a comprehensive review of the city's road markings and pedestrian infrastructure, emphasizing the need for a people-centric approach to traffic management. In response, Huang Hui-ju, deputy director of the Department of Transportation's Traffic Engineering Office, stated that the department is aware of the individual cases and takes them seriously. She assured that they would continue to communicate with local communities and make adjustments as needed.

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Regarding individual cases, we are aware and take them seriously. We will continue to communicate with local communities and make rolling adjustments as needed.