Taipei to Fine Public Park Smokers

In a bid to reduce pollution and increase public health, twenty-four Taipei parks have been designated "smoke free" zones since 2007 and violators will receive fines starting Saturday, July 11, 2009. People caught lighting up may be fined between NT $2000 (approximately US $60.00) to NT $10000 (approximately US $300.00). The new measure comes as a result of a four-year poll taken between 2004 and 2008 on attitudes towards public park "smoke free" zones. The news was announced here.