LEGISLATION AGAINST JAYWALKING

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr J. F. Conceicao asked the Minister for Communications the extent to which consideration has been given to legislation against jaywalking.

The Minister for Communications (Mr Yong Nyuk Lin): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Ministry is of the opinion that our present effort in building more and better facilities for pedestrians crossing the roads is a more positive approach than the legislation against jaywalking pedestrians. Overhead bridges, zebra crossings and underpasses, for example, go a long way to help pedestrians cross the road safely and, in most cases, it would appear that they do make use of the facilities provided. However, the Ministry is keeping a close watch on the situation to ensure that overhead bridges, zebra crossings, etc., are not built in vain. If subsequent reports indicate that we are not successful in persuading the pedestrians to make the best use of the facilities provided for crossing the roads. Consideration will be given to introduce legislation to compel the use of such facilities by pedestrians.