TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In response to privacy concerns raised by the Democratic Progressive Party(DPP), the Executive Yuan announced on Wednesday (Dec. 6) that the authority to issue traffic citations still resides with the police, who verify and consider whether to proceed with the report.
DPP legislator Chang Liao Wan-chien recently questioned the Executive Yuan, pointing out that since the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) enforced a new point-based traffic violation system in June, there has been a surge in recorded points for traffic violations.
Chang Liao contended that these so-called "cockroaches," who report on others, collect and record personal data such as faces, vehicles, and locations, infringe on fundamental rights.
Taking Taichung as an example, Chang Liao illustrated that since the implementation of the new system, there have been more than 320,000 reports of point-based traffic incidents received by mid-October alone.
Chang Liao argued that the majority of these citizen reports are captured using dashcams, smartphones, or cameras, which not only raise concerns about accuracy but also impinge on privacy. He warned that without proper legal regulation, such practices could potentially violate constitutional rights.
The Executive Yuan explained that the regulations intend to encourage public assistance in maintaining road traffic order and supporting police efforts.
In cases of temporary parking, police will first determine whether the vehicle obstructs traffic flow before proceeding according to regulation, the Executive Yuan added.