In many areas across Taiwan, sidewalks and roadside spaces are frequently occupied by potted plants, traffic cones, and other private items placed by ground-floor residents. This leads to the privatization of public spaces. Although such behavior disrupts both urban aesthetics and pedestrian access, local governments have long neglected the issue, allowing it to become a normalized part of the everyday streetscape.

Compared to Japan’s clean and orderly urban scenery, Taiwan’s streets often appear cluttered due to unauthorized placement of items by residents. These private occupations not only obstruct movement but also significantly degrade the visual quality of the city. The longstanding inaction by local governments has turned public spaces—meant to be shared by all—into fragmented and disorderly “private territories,” sharply contrasting with Japan’s well-managed streetscapes that serve as assets to tourism.

To address this issue, citizens have submitted proposals through the government’s public policy participation platform, urging local authorities to take action and restore public space to the community.

Title

Ban the Occupation of Public Roadside Spaces with Private Items

Proposal Content or Suggestions

1. Title

Crack down on common violations of public road occupation in communities to protect fair usage rights for all road users and citizens.

2. Background

In many urban and residential areas, ground-floor residents often place potted plants, traffic cones, buckets, chairs, and other personal items in front of their homes to prevent others from temporarily parking vehicles. This practice results in long-term occupation of public road spaces.

These actions not only obstruct proper parking and pedestrian passage, but also promote the false notion that residents “own” the road space in front of their property. This degrades the urban landscape, disrupts traffic order, and can even lead to disputes within communities.

3. Policy Content

Define Violations Clearly: Legally define “unauthorized placement of private items on public roads” as a violation. This includes but is not limited to: Potted plants, buckets, traffic cones, and furniture Use of ropes, homemade signs, or chains to cordon off areas Enforcement and Penalties: Municipal authorities (such as sanitation teams or traffic police) may remove unauthorized items directly Offenders should receive administrative fines, with initial warnings followed by increased penalties for repeat offenses (suggested fine range: NT$1,200–6,000) Public Reporting Mechanism: Set up an online reporting platform to allow citizens to upload photos and location data as evidence for inspection. Exception Application Mechanism: For special circumstances (e.g., moving, construction), temporary occupation may be permitted through an application system that clearly states duration and purpose.

Benefits and Impacts

1. Policy Benefits

Ensure Fair Use of Roads: Roads are public property and should not be occupied long-term by individuals. Improve Community Environment and Traffic Safety: Removing obstacles enhances flow and visibility. Reduce Neighborhood Disputes: Prevents conflicts caused by parking-related tensions. Promote Urban Cleanliness: Enhances the city’s image and aligns with goals for livable urban development.

2. Policy Impacts

Initial implementation requires public education and communication to minimize resistance. Over time, a positive road-use culture can be cultivated, embedding the idea that roads are public assets, and improving overall urban quality of life.