Sharjah: In order to reduce the number of accidents and causalities and make roads safer, nearly 894 jaywalkers were fined in one week for not crossing the roads along designated cross-walk zones.
Major Abdul Rahman Khatr, Director of Communications at Sharjah Police Traffic Department, said that Sharjah Police said all of the fines were issued in only one week.
The police have identified jaywalking as a serious issue and have launched a campaign targeting pedestrians who cross roads from undesignated areas. He said that jaywalking is an offence and violators must pay a Dh200 fine.
“It’s important that all road users understand the risks of violating safety, whether crossing or walking on the road, and learn how to stay safe,” adding that pedestrians are the most vulnerable ones on the road.
“Pedestrians are advised to cross roads from the zebra crossing only or from the pedestrian bridges, otherwise they will face fines,” he said. Sharjah police have stepped up patrols on the roads.
Pedestrians are often advised not to cross highways with speeds of more than 80km/h because they could be held liable for any accidents resulting from their irrational behaviour.
Meanwhile, the Federal Penal Code allows traffic prosecutors to hold pedestrians, who cross roads from undesignated area and cause accidents resulting in injuries or property damages, liable and refer them to court, he added.
Article 43 imposes on motorists a fine of Dh500 and six traffic points for not giving the priority to pedestrians from designated area while article 48 imposes fines of Dh500 for parking the vehicle in pedestrian corridor.
Article 111 of the law imposes a fine of Dh200 and three traffic points for stopping the vehicle in a manner that causes danger to jaywalkers or impedes the movement of pedestrians.
Maj Khatr also urged motorists as well as pedestrians to abide by traffic regulations for their own safety and that of other road users.
