Guangdong introduces anti-jaywalking measures

Jaywalkers, who often go unpunished for crossing against a red light, need to watch out as traffic police in Guangzhou, the capital of South China's Guangdong province, introduced new measures to deal with such behaviors.

According to the Panyu District Traffic Police Department, surveillance cameras targeting jaywalkers have began a trial run on the district's major roads.

Pedestrians caught breaking traffic rules will be asked to watch traffic safety promos on site or post their videos of being educated on social media.

"Previously, pedestrians caught crossing against the red light were given warnings and asked to help direct traffic with police officers," said Chen Xuefan, a traffic police officer with the Panyu district department.

At an intersection near the Panyu Square subway station, a big TV screen has been installed and jaywalkers are asked to watch more than five minutes of traffic safety promotion videos.

"Now, it is better to make jaywalkers watch traffic safety promotion videos. If they are in hurry for business, they are allowed to leave after collecting 20 thumbs up from their friends following (posting) their videos of being educated on WeChat," Chen said.

According to Chen, traffic police also plan to strengthen monitoring of pedestrian behaviors on nearly 30 road intersections and spots around the Panyu district.

After the trial run of surveillance cameras on March 8, the number of jaywalkers near the Panyu Square subway station declined sharply, according to Chen.

A woman, surnamed Zhao, was the first to be asked to watch the traffic safety promotion video, after being caught crossing against the red light on March 8.

"I was running to catch the early subway train. I rushed to the opposite side of the road after seeing no cars running on the road," said Zhao.

According to Zhao, the promotion videos show traffic accidents that illustrate what happens between pedestrians and cars.

"I was really impressed by the video. Both drivers and pedestrians should work together to obey the traffic rules," Zhao said.

Other Chinese cities, including Shenzhen and Shanghai, tackled the problem with even more aggressive measures. Names or pictures of jaywalkers who are caught by facial recognition cameras on some roads will be displayed on roadside screens and the traffic police website in Shenzhen.