Pedestrians feel unsafe

Pedestrians feel unsafe

JAKARTA (JP): Many pedestrians no longer feel safe in the
capital as a large number of pedestrian thoroughfares are being
used as parking lots or business sites, a city councilor says.

Hasan Daisy, a councilor on Commission B, responsible for
economic affairs, was quoted by Antara as saying yesterday that
pedestrians find it difficult to walk safely in many areas like
Jatinegara in East Jakarta, Kramat, Tanah Abang and Jl. Sabang in
Central Jakarta.

Most of the sidewalks along Jl. Merdeka Selatan, Central
Jakarta are now also used as parking lots.

The councilor also criticized private car drivers, many of
whom he believes lack discipline.

"Walking on the zebra crossings has also become a big problem.
Many motorists fail to stop even if they know a pedestrian is
trying to cross the road. And they speed up as traffic lights
turn to amber which is a danger to others" he said. (sur)