Taiwan tackles noise pollution

Taiwan has long suffered problems with noise pollution, especially in between 1960 and 1990 when it went through a hugely fast-paced industrialisation.

Noise pollution keeps people awake at night, and can cause depression and anxiety.

Because of the severity of the effects of noise pollution, as well as the extent of the problem in Taiwan, the state has taken action to combat the problem.

The new laws will mean that the maximum amount of noise allowed to be made by any group of individuals will be cut by three decibels. This is thought to reduce the overall amount of noise by half.

The government are planning to enforce the new legislation by January next year.

Until recently, vendors in the area were allowed to stay open until the early hours of the morning.

This had a huge effect on those that live in the area, with some saying that they got very little to no sleep most nights.

John Lin, a local resident living above Taipei's popular Shida Night Market told the BBC about how noise pollution disrupted his life.

"The noise doesn't stop when they shut down, because the shop owners chat with each other until 03:00.

"Then the cleanup people they've hired make noise until 04:00. They're followed by the government's own garbage collectors who make noise for another hour," he said.

"You cannot live and you cannot sleep."

Reasons behind such severe noise pollution in Taiwan are vast.

One cause is thought to be the fact that Taiwan is so overpopulated. This means that there are a lot of people in one area making a lot of noise.

Taiwan is home to 23 million people, which is more than Australia despite being only a fraction of the size.

Shops, cafes, clubs and houses are all on the same street - there is no separation which adds further to the problem.

The people of Taiwan are now making demands for a better home and a better environment.