By Nyein Nyein

AN awareness campaign on ensuring road safety at pedestrian crossings is being conducted, and pedestrians found violating traffic rules while crossing the road will face legal action after the campaign ends, said Daw Nilar Kyaw, the Minister for Electricity, Industry, and Transport for Yangon Region.

She made the remarks in response to a question raised by U Yan Shin of Mayangon Township Constituency 1 on the 11th day of the ninth regular session of the 2nd Yangon Region Hluttaw, held yesterday. U Yan Shin had asked whether the authorities are planning to take action against pedestrians found crossing the road instead of using the pedestrian bridge, as it poses a risk to road safety.

“At present, awareness is being raised among pedestrians concerning road safety. Action will be strictly taken against those found flouting traffic rules after the awareness drive ends,” said Daw Nilar Kyaw.

There are 14 pedestrian bridges in Yangon and most of them are equipped with guard rails so that pedestrians only have the option of using the bridge, thereby, not endangering themselves or the traffic. But, some pedestrians have been found violating the rules. Therefore, the No 7 Traffic Police Force have been conducting awareness drives near crowded pedestrian bridges through mobile vehicles every week in Kyauktada and Lathar townships since 7 May, 2019. So far, they have covered 4,000 pedestrians and 200 trishaw drivers.

In addition, people in other townships will also be warned against crossing any road, if there is a pedestrian bridge nearby. Traffic police have been assigned to monitor pedestrians, and they are distributing pamphlets to them.

Under Section 178 of the 1989 Motor Vehicle Rule, pedestrians are allowed to cross roads only via, pedestrian crossings, pedestrian bridges, or designated routes. They are also required to stop at traffic islands and check for oncoming traffic.

(Translated by Ei Myat Mon)