Anti-jaywalking campaign must be enforced

The campaign against jaywalkers in Beijing means that pedestrians and cyclists who ignore red lights will be fined either 10 yuan ($1.60) and 20 yuan. The success of the campaign, which started on May 6, depends on how it is enforced rather than the level of fines, says an article on People’s Daily (excerpts below).

It is unrealistic to pin all our hopes on a single campaign to curb the “Chinese style of crossing the road”. Promoting traffic etiquette and safety, cultivating respect and faith in laws and regulations are vital to its success.

Fast-paced urbanization means that more instances of jay walking are occurring.

Pedestrians must be responsible just as drivers must. Good behavior does not come from fear of laws and regulations but from understanding their necessity to make all our lives better and safer.