Mandatory Two-Stage Left Turn for Scooters Sparks Debate; New Power Party Calls for Reform Timeline

(Central News Agency reporter Zeng Yining, Taipei 12th) The issue of mandatory two-stage left turns for scooters has sparked debate following the latest domestic research. The New Power Party (NPP) stated on the 12th that the research evidence is clear and urged the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) to release accident statistics for intersections where mandatory two-stage left turns have already been abolished, and to set a specific reform timeline and standards.

According to a press release issued by the NPP on the 12th, a research team led by National Taiwan University Professor Chang Hong-hao recently analyzed real-world data from Tainan City, which abolished mandatory two-stage left turns at some intersections starting in 2023. The analysis found a 21% decrease in the number of intersection accidents, a 19% decrease in the number of injuries, and a 4.7% decrease in medical expenses. The most significant reduction was observed in scooter accidents. The research findings were published in the international transportation journal "Transportation Research Part A."

The NPP believes this study clearly demonstrates the need for reform of mandatory two-stage left turns, but insists that reform must be planned and scheduled, not brushed aside with vague responses. The NPP criticized the MOTC's explanation on the 11th, stating it failed to address substantive issues such as the timeline for completing the review, when discussions with local governments would begin, how many left-turn protection phases are planned for construction this year, and the goals and timeline for policy adjustments, calling it "empty nonsense."

Regarding the MOTC's argument that mandatory two-stage left turns protect scooter riders, citing approximately 40,000 left-turn accidents and 267 deaths annually, including 235 scooter riders, the NPP questioned this. They argued that this statistic includes a large number of cases where cars turning left directly hit straight-going scooter riders, which is unrelated to whether scooters perform a two-stage left turn, and only indicates that left turns at intersections are inherently high-risk.

The NPP criticized the MOTC for setting strict verification thresholds for research unfavorable to them while uncritically accepting data favorable to them, calling it lazy and negligent. They further argued that the two-stage left turn policy originated from a 40-year-old policy mindset that viewed scooters as a "transitional mode of transportation." Since scooters remain the daily transportation for millions of Taiwanese people, the NPP believes the mandate should be abolished to achieve road equality.

The NPP stated that if the MOTC still believes the evidence is insufficient, it should expand pilot programs rather than refuse change. They put forward three demands: First, conduct a complete accident statistical analysis for intersections where mandatory two-stage left turns have been abolished in recent years and make the results public. Second, clearly explain the evaluation criteria for "adapting to local conditions." Third, propose a specific reform timeline, clearly informing the public of the goals and schedule for policy adjustments. (Editor: Chang Chun-mao) 1150612