More safe crossings urgently needed

There have been Dh50 fines for jaywalking and crossing in non-designated areas in Dubai for nearly 11 years, but they have not always been strictly implemented. With 415 people being fined in three weeks it is possible many offenders were unaware there was such a local bylaw.

Not only does jaywalking put the pedestrian's life and limb at risk, it also causes confusion to other road users, which can and often does cause accidents. Most frequently accidents occur because jaywalkers are unable to assess correctly the speed of an oncoming vehicle. They will try to make a dash for it, in the belief they will be safe, but often have misjudged, with the consequence of either being seriously injured or the driver having to brake hard and endanger those behind.

Jaywalkers don't deliberately flout the law; all they seek is an adequate number of places to safely cross the road.