Taiwanese party's referendum push on traffic fines faces criticism

The Taiwan People's Party's (TPP) proposal for a referendum to dedicate traffic fine revenue to road safety improvements has drawn criticism from civic organizations. These groups argue that the party is taking an unnecessary detour by pursuing a referendum instead of directly proposing legislative amendments.

TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang, however, pushed back against this criticism. He accused the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of deliberately delaying the promulgation of laws passed by the legislature. Huang asserted that the government is evading its responsibility for road safety and urged them to commit to improvements.

The TPP convened a seminar titled "Ending Pedestrian Hell, Returning Fines to Road Safety" to advocate for their cause. The party highlighted that despite increased traffic enforcement and a rise in fines in recent years, road accident fatalities and injuries have not decreased. Current regulations only mandate that 12% of local traffic fines be used for "traffic enforcement" and "traffic safety," with the majority of fund allocation remaining unclear.

During the seminar, Huang questioned the government's commitment, asking, "Do you agree to dedicate traffic fines to road traffic safety improvements, to improving traffic markings, so that we don't have to worry about our safety when walking on the road?" He criticized the government for allowing these funds to become a "slush fund" and for focusing solely on increasing technological enforcement. Huang also sarcastically remarked on the ruling party's handling of legislation, implying they selectively enact laws they approve of.

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Do you agree to dedicate traffic fines to road traffic safety improvements, to improving traffic markings, so that we don't have to worry about our safety when walking on the road?