TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Culture said on Tuesday that it will launch a pilot program in December banning four-wheeled vehicles from passing through Hengchun’s West Gate to protect the century-old structure from further damage.

During a public briefing, cultural officials outlined the plan, which includes installing removable barriers on both sides of the gate. Some residents voiced concerns that the barriers clash with the historical aesthetics of the ancient city and worried the vehicle ban could affect their livelihoods.

According to the MOC’s Bureau of Cultural Heritage, the gate has been struck by vehicles at least once per year over the past five years, often by vehicles exceeding the 2.1-meter height limit. The repeated collisions have caused structural damage, with repair costs totaling as much as NT$1.7 million (US$55,600).

Officials said the prohibition of four-wheeled vehicles is “the lesser of two evils,” as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, and other smaller forms of transport will still be allowed. If the pilot program causes significant inconvenience to residents, authorities said they would review and adjust the policy.

In addition to barriers, warning signs and detour notices will be posted to redirect drivers, and height restrictions will be added at the nearby Hengchun North Gate, which remains open to vehicles.

The current roadblock design features a yellow background with a red “No Cars Allowed” symbol. A few residents criticized the design as visually unappealing and said it does not match the historical character of Hengchun Old Town. Others concurred and said online maps and navigation apps like Google Maps should be updated with the new information.

The bureau said it would consider residents’ feedback but noted that any redesign must comply with national traffic regulations. The duration of the pilot program has not yet been set, though a one-month advance notice will be issued before implementation.