Beijing traffic authorities said Tuesday they have given traffic wardens portable loudspeaker systems, as well as instructing them on polite phrases to use to remind people not to jaywalk or cycle through red lights.
Beijing Traffic Management Bureau said in a press release Monday that traffic wardens at 150 main intersections have been supplied with microphone headsets attached to a portable loudspeaker, so they do not have to shout to let passers-by hear their instructions.
Traffic wardens will also be asked to standardize their language for effective communication with pedestrians.
There are 15 standard expressions for the traffic wardens to use during their work. This includes phrases such as "please wait patiently for the red light," and "please do not carry anyone on your bike."
A traffic warden surnamed Li, working along Chaoyang Lu, said he has not received the loudspeaker nor does he think it would be very helpful for tackling jaywalking.
"We shout to the pedestrians to stop them from jaywalking from time to time," he said.
"But after a whole day of shouting, my throat gets a bit dry," he said. Pedestrians, cyclists and electric bike riders mostly just run the red light regardless of him waving flags and shouting, said Li.
"Since we don't have the legal power to enforce the law, we can neither stop them from moving nor fine them for jaywalking," Li said.
Another traffic warden surnamed Liu, who was at an intersection on Chang'an Avenue, said he had heard of the latest anti-jaywalking action plan.
Liu said that politeness is key when dealing with people.
"You just need to talk to people nicely then they will understand," he said.
From April 8, pedestrians can be fined 10 yuan ($1.6) for jaywalking and 20 yuan for cyclists who break the rules.
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