Taoyuan Ordinance Takes Effect: Abandoned Vehicles Occupying Public Space Can Be Towed

Taoyuan City is taking a firm stance against abandoned vehicles that have been long-term obstructions in public areas. The "Taoyuan City Public Area Abandoned Vehicle Removal and Disposal Ordinance" came into effect at the beginning of the year, empowering authorities to legally tow away these vehicles.

Since the ordinance's implementation, the city has already removed 64 abandoned vehicles from 19 public locations across seven administrative districts. Zhang Shu-hao, director of the Environmental Management Office, stated that these vehicles, often found in areas like under bridges, plazas, parks, and public parking spots, have historically been difficult to remove due to legal and jurisdictional issues. Their presence not only mars the city's appearance and occupies valuable parking spaces but also poses public safety and environmental health risks.

The new ordinance provides the legal basis for investigating and removing abandoned vehicles from public land and parking lots. It aims to fill existing regulatory gaps and foster inter-agency cooperation to address issues on non-road public land. The process involves placing a notice on the vehicle, giving owners seven days to clear it. If the owner fails to comply, the Environmental Management Office can legally tow the vehicle to a designated storage facility.

Vehicles left unclaimed at the storage facility will be processed as waste. Zhang Shu-hao appealed to vehicle owners to refrain from abandoning their scrapped or damaged vehicles in public areas, emphasizing the negative impact on public space usage and environmental quality. The city's proactive approach seeks to reclaim public spaces and improve the overall urban environment.