Crackdown on jaywalkers poses challenges   

“中国式过马路”迎治理高峰 路权冲突亟待解决

针对凑够一拨人就走，不管红绿灯的“中国式过马路”行为，中国多地开始动真格，开出10元(人民币)、20元不等的罚款，交管部门的密集整治在收到初步效果的同时，也有不少行人表示不解甚至埋怨。

Beijing (CNS) – Many cities in China are set to begin imposing penalties for jaywalking, but the expansion of the campaign is already facing challenges.

The Beijing Traffic Management Bureau intends to fine pedestrians 10 yuan and non-motor vehicles 20 yuan on the spot for running red lights.

Similar anti-jaywalking campaigns have also been launched by Liuzhou, in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and Nanjing of Jiangsu province.

But some local traffic wardens are fighting a losing battle, as jaywalkers come up with excuses not to pay fines or simply walk away, taking no heed of police warnings.

This pushes up administrative costs and will add a heavy burden to police in the long run, according to the bureau.

"Admittedly, law enforcement is necessary. But it is even more important to step up education on traffic-law awareness on the part of pedestrians."

Qian Hong, an associate professor at Shanghai Maritime University, suggests that a month-long transitional education period be held before launching the anti-jaywalking campaign. Imposing fines on jaywalkers before educating them increases opposition to its implementation, he added.

The limited time pedestrians have to cross streets during green "walk" signals has been blamed for much jaywalking. Qian suggests that traffic administration departments should roll out detailed rules that leave more time for pedestrians to cross the streets.

Qian also suggests that steps be taken to ensure safe crossings for pedestrians.

In addition to traffic light design, another cause of jaywalking lies in flawed urban street planning, which has a long-term bearing on both traffic and pedestrian safety, experts have said.