JAYWALKING

Encik Zulkifli bin Mohammed asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether there has been a substantial increase in jaywalking offences in the past twelve months; and, if so, whether his Ministry is considering stricter enforcement measures in the near future.

Prof. S. Jayakumar: For the past twelve months (October 1984 - September 1985), a total of 866 persons were booked for jaywalking.

However, the figures for this period ought not be compared with figures for the previous period (4,230) because over the years,the Police have altered their strategy from enforcement at all pedestrian crossing points in the city to one of selective enforcement at certain identified locations, e.g. accident prone areas and areas where there are numerous complaints of jaywalking. At the same time, greater emphasis is placed on public education on road safety. The number of persons actually booked, therefore, was reduced. In addition to the selective enforcement at certain pedestrian crossings, Police on normal patrol duties are also instructed to take enforcement action against jaywalkers and to advise pedestrians on the need to observe the Pedestrian Crossing Rules.

A significant indicator of the strategy is the number of pedestrians involved in road accidents. The number dropped from 1,301 from January to September 1984 to 977 cases for the corresponding period in 1985, a decrease of 24.9%. The number of fatal accidents involving pedestrians has also dropped from 67 to 47. Members of the public are now more conscious of their own safety on the road. The Police is therefore not considering stricter enforcement action against jaywalking. However, they will continue to enforce the Pedestrian Crossing Rules. The Traffic Police together with PWD will continue to identify accident-prone areas with a view to building more overhead bridges or installing other pedestrian crossing facilities. Furthermore, the police will still be visiting schools and community centres to encourage road safety through exhibitions and talks. Some 62,482 school children have been instructed on road safety through the Road Safety Park which was opened in 1981.