Taiwan lawmakers slash road safety budgets, sparking DPP outrage

Taiwanese lawmakers from the Blue and White parties have proposed substantial cuts and freezes to the budget allocated for road safety initiatives, drawing sharp criticism from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). These proposed reductions target crucial areas such as road quality checks, traffic safety data analysis, and public awareness campaigns.

The People First Party caucus, in particular, has proposed cutting 85% of the Engineering Commission's road quality management fees, amounting to NT$20 million. Additionally, they have proposed slashing NT$70 million and freezing NT$10 million for road traffic safety business expenses.

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The Blue and White parties claim to prioritize road safety and care about national security, yet they are dismantling the foundational infrastructure of traffic safety.

The DPP has condemned these moves, accusing the opposition of hypocrisy. "You can tell what they do by their actions, not just their words," said DPP caucus whip Chuang Jui-hsiung. "The Blue and White parties claim to prioritize road safety and care about national security, yet they are dismantling the foundational infrastructure of traffic safety."

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Cutting budgets for checks, education, and data analysis now, and then blaming the government for road problems and increased accidents later, is not responsible oversight. It is using people's safety for political combat.

Chuang emphasized that improving road safety and eliminating Taiwan's "pedestrian hell" status requires sustained investment, not just slogans. He argued that road quality checks prevent poor construction and potholes, accident data analysis identifies high-risk intersections for engineering improvements, and safety education fosters responsible road use among drivers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and children. These, he stated, are fundamental to reducing accidents and casualties.

Chuang urged the opposition to propose specific improvements rather than making drastic cuts. "Cutting budgets for checks, education, and data analysis now, and then blaming the government for road problems and increased accidents later, is not responsible oversight. It is using people's safety for political combat," he asserted. DPP legislator Hsu Chih-chieh echoed these sentiments, calling the budget cuts "bone-deep" and urging the Blue and White parties to cease being obstacles to public traffic safety.

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The Blue and White parties' actions show their words about prioritizing road safety and caring for national security are untrustworthy.