To control jaywalking in Dhaka

The present initiative of the government to address the jaywalking in Dhaka city deserves an appreciation. Still the question remains-whether punishing some pedestrian-commuters without first addressing the reasons for such reckless behaviour will suffice to address the problem? The pedestrian-commuters are obeying the new rule apparently for the fear of punishment. In this regard, two pertinent questions arise-first one is whether the pedestrian-commuters will continue to obey this rule in absence of any such enforcement? Second one is, whether there are enough means available for every passer-by to safely cross the road without resorting to these unauthorised means of crossing? The answer is simply a 'NO'.

Generally, people cross roads without using the footbridge or underpass to save time. Sometimes, they are compelled to take this risk because in some places of Dhaka, footbridges or underpasses are built in such distance that pedestrian-commuters have to walk for a long time to cross the road. Moreover, these footbridges and under passes are mostly occupied by the hawkers and beggars. Besides, the overall conditions of these infrastructures are dirty and unhygienic. The aforementioned factors work as compelling reasons for the pedestrians to avoid foot over bridges and underpasses. In most of the cases, these facilities are unsecured and unguarded. Thus, the pedestrians are reluctant to use these facilities at night.

It is also impossible for some pedestrians, for example, aged persons, pregnant woman, children, and disabled persons to avail of the footbridges since they are physically incapable to climb long and steep stairs. The government should always keep in mind that efficient enforcement of law requires providing enough facilities (in this case, for example, swift and safe road crossing facilities) so that the citizens can comply with the legal obligations.

Vigorous enforcement mechanism without appropriate facilities to obey law will make the law and the government unpopular. It will not even achieve the objectives for which the law has been enacted. Therefore, if the government wants the citizens and residents to appreciate enforcement of law against jaywalking, the infrastructural facilities related to crossing roads must be increased and improved. This is also more relevant because of the fact that in Dhaka at the traffic system is not least scientific.

The government may consider increasing the number of pedestrian (zebra) crossing, footbridge with integrated escalators (one of such is been installed in Banani). In fact, in this way the government will be able to resolve the problem of jaywalking in a more cost-effective way. It may be mentioned that pedestrian crossing is not only a quick and efficient way of crossing the roads but also it is cost effective (because it does not require regular maintenance cost) and to make it effective requires constant monitoring of traffic signal and awareness on the part of the pedestrian-commuters.

Finally, if the government can effectively introduce these alternatives and improve the existing facilities (footbridges and underpasses) rather than imposing punishment, only then the new initiatives regarding safe road crossing will be successful as well as respected by the people.

Muhammad Rezaur Rahman
Lecturer of Law
Northern University Bangladesh, Dhaka