KOLKATA: Police on Friday began a drive against pedestrians speaking on the phone while crossing roads, levying spot fines at intersections of Esplanade, Park Street, Park Circus, Jadavpur and Behala Chowrasta. Those who jumped over barriers or chose to walk on the road instead of pavements were also fined.
All traffic guards have been asked to launch sensitization drives in this regard across the city to protect pedestrians, the road user group, which are most prone to fall victims to accidents.
Sources claimed the decision to slap fines of Rs 20-50 followed multiple accidents due to jaywalking. Earlier this month, a biker lost his life near Joka while trying to save a jaywalker. Last year, 40% of all fatal accident victims were jaywalkers.
Cops are also planning innovative ways to catch the attention of those crossing carelessly on roads. “Besides a pep talk, we have plans to detain people for some time at a particular spot to make them understand that crossing road safely does not take time. Also, not speaking on the phone ensures full attention while crossing the road,” explained an officer.
Pedestrians pointed out that many a time, they were forced to walk on the road because the pavements were encroached upon. “This attempt aims to instil discipline among pedestrians, and it is certainly not meant to harass people or earn revenue,” a senior officer said. For now, the police are not mulling on imposing harsher penalties for repeated offenders.
