Jaywalkers beware! Police are watching

While drivers who run red lights risk fines of 200 yuan ($32) and six points on their licenses if caught by surveillance cameras, jaywalkers often get a free pass.

But now they will need to be more vigilant, at least in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, as traffic police have introduced new measures to deal with pedestrian violations.

According to the Panyu district traffic police department, surveillance cameras targeting jaywalkers have begun trial runs on major roads in the district.

Pedestrians caught breaking the rules will be asked to watch traffic safety videos on site, or post videos on social media of themselves being lectured by officers.

"Previously, pedestrians caught crossing streets against red lights or at unauthorized points were given warnings and asked to help officers direct traffic," said Chen Xuefan, a traffic police officer in Panyu.

At one intersection near Panyu Square subway station, a large TV screen has been installed and jaywalkers are asked to watch traffic safety promotion videos for about five minutes.

It is better to make jaywalkers watch the videos on site, Chen said. People in a hurry are allowed to take a 10-second video of the police officer and post it to WeChat. A person can leave only after collecting 20 thumbs-up from friends, Chen said - so it might be faster and easier to just watch the video.

According to Chen, traffic police plan to strengthen their monitoring of pedestrians at nearly 30 intersections and popular crossings around Panyu.

After the trial run of surveillance cameras on March 8, the number of jaywalkers near Panyu Square station declined sharply, Chen said.

A woman, surnamed Zhao, was the first to be asked to watch the traffic safety promotion video, after being caught crossing against a red light on March 8.

"I was running to catch the early subway train. I rushed to the opposite side of the road after checking for any oncoming traffic," Zhao said.

According to Zhao, the promotion videos feature various traffic accidents involving pedestrians and cars.

"The video left a deep impression. Both drivers and pedestrians should work together to obey traffic rules," Zhao said.

Other Chinese cities, including Shenzhen and Shanghai, have tackled the problem using even more aggressive measures. Names or photos of jaywalkers caught by facial-recognition cameras on some roads will be displayed on roadside screens and on the traffic police website in Shenzhen.