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)