80 caught for not using pedestrian bridge

City Hall nabs 80 who did not use pedestrian bridge

SEVENTY-NINE people were caught for jaywalking in an operation carried out by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) near Petaling Street yesterday.

The operation, called Ops Jejantas, caught many by surprise as they crossed the road without using the pedestrian bridge nearby.

Errant pedestrians were fined RM30 on the spot and a total of RM1,680 was collected during the operation.

Compounds were issued under the Road Traffic Regulation 1959 (45) for crossing the road without using the pedestrian bridge, zebra crossing or underground pathway.

The fine will be increased to RM50 if paid after 14 days and RM150 after a month.

Those who fail to pay the fine will be brought to the magistrate court for a hearing.

The DBKL operation, conducted with the cooperation of the Road Safety Department, was aimed at educating the public on using pedestrian bridges and zebra crossings.

Road Safety Department officials also handed out pamphlets and gave advice to pedestrians.

DBKL Operations Enforcement inspector Baharuddin Salim said the operation was conducted following numerous complaints.

Baharuddin said such operations would also be carried out in Bukit Bintang and Chow Kit.

“Most people ignore the rules and risk their lives by crossing at such junctions despite having a pedestrian bridge nearby.

“Pedestrians must be civic conscious and make it a habit to use the bridge so that others, including tourists, will follow suit,” he said.

He added that using pedestrian bridges helped to reduce accidents and allowed for smoother traffic flow.

~News courtesy of The Star~