The Ministry of Environment plans to triple the number of sound cameras in operation over the next four years, to tackle the high number of noise complaints it receives, the ministry said.
The ministry last year received 108,000 noise complaints, of which 31,000 were caused by vehicles and 25,000 were caused by construction, it said.
To address the issue, it would increase the number of sound cameras from 200 to 600, it said, adding that it was also planning to develop a “noise map” to help it identify and tackle areas where the problem was particularly egregious.
Photo: Chen Chia-yi, Taipei Times
Noise complaints reached a high in 2023 at 128,000 cases, 36,000 of which were related to vehicle noise and 30,000 were about construction work.
Minister of Environment Peng Chi-ming (彭?明) on Sunday said that noise was the main source of public complaints the ministry handles.
To tackle the issue, the ministry proposed a plan that uses smart technology to make cities more liveable, he said, adding that the proposal has been submitted to the Executive Yuan.
Increasing the number of sound cameras and building a noise map are key initiatives of that proposal, Peng said.
“By analyzing when and where most noise complaints occur, authorities can strategically target offenders,” he said.
“Given that each noise camera costs NT$1 million to NT$2 million [US$30,452 to US$60,903], precise deployment is crucial. The government would also intensify inspections at noise hotspots,” Peng added.
Drilling at construction sites have been a major nuisance for residents, Peng said.
The government would work with industry stakeholders to incentivize construction companies to adopt low-noise construction methods, and to install soundproof barriers at construction sites, he said.
For noise generated by indoor renovations — which are a frequent occurrence in Taiwan, where most buildings are older — the ministry would collaborate with the Ministry of the Interior to establish noise-related regulations, and to set technical standards for soundproofing materials, Peng said.
The Ministry of Environment would budget NT$400 million for the proposal, he said
It would be funded by the ministry’s funding for pollution-control measures, the Executive Yuan’s budget for technology initiatives, public infrastructure budgets and other contributions from government agencies, he added.
“Through these measures, the government aims to significantly reduce noise pollution and improve quality of life across Taiwan,” Peng said.
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