《TAIPEI TIMES》Ministry makes U-turn on traffic safety measures

By William Hetherington / Staff writer, with CNA

Requiring drivers to fully stop when pedestrians are on a crosswalk is “too strict,” Minister of Transportation and Communications Wang Kwo-tsai （王國材） said yesterday, adding that the issue would be discussed further next week.

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The ministry on Friday last week announced new traffic safety measures to be implemented starting on Friday next week.

One of those measures would require drivers to fully stop at an intersection if a pedestrian is present on a crosswalk at the junction.

Drivers are currently required to stop at least one vehicle’s length away from a pedestrian using a crosswalk, or about 3m from the front of the vehicle.

However, Wang said that after discussing the issue with Minister of the Interior Lin Yu-chang （林右昌） and National Police Agency Director-General Huang Ming-chao （黃明昭）, it was decided that the policy was too strict, and would “affect the smooth flow of traffic.”

The issue would be further discussed at a ministry-led meeting on Monday next week, he said, adding that one proposal would require drivers to fully stop when a pedestrian is crossing the side of the road in which the driver is turning.

When traffic is flowing fast, a vehicle suddenly stopping 3m away from the crosswalk is actually very dangerous, Wang added.

Asked whether the new rules would be implemented as planned next week, Wang said it would be discussed at next week’s meeting.

Amendments to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act （道路交通管理處罰條例） set to take effect on Friday next week include heightened penalties for failing to yield to pedestrians, with the maximum fine increased from NT$3,600 to NT$6,000.

Vehicles that do not yield can be fined the maximum amount immediately, while scooters can be fined up to NT$1,200.

The new measures stipulate that people with six consecutive traffic contraventions — including failing to yield to pedestrians, refusing to stop at police checkpoints, or failing to properly secure cargo on vehicles leading to items falling and obstructing the roadway — would be required to attend traffic safety lectures.

Additional reporting by Cheng Wei-chi

新聞來源：TAIPEI TIMES