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Traffic signals observed in the breach
Traffic lights are meant to be observed, both by motorists and pedestrians. It is an offence to drive through or cross the road when the signal light is red. However the traffic police do not seem to realize that this rule applies to pedestrians as well.
Traffic lights have been installed at pedestrian crossings along main roads and busy junctions in Colombo. However quite often pedestrians openly flout this law.
Our pictures show a number of instances where basic road rules were violated by pedestrians, including police officers.
On occasion drivers too disregard this rule and drive through ignoring the red light. ”The signal lights for pedestrians are scarcely observed as pedestrians believe the zebra crossings can be used whenever they want,” said M.D. Nihal Pathirana, a road user in Pettah.
He added that as there were no strict rules governing the use of pedestrian crossings, people tend to ignore the signals and cross at will. ”While a few of us wait for the green light to come on, many people cross the road despite the red light being on.
It feels very odd to stand at the crossing alone waiting for the signal light to turn green while the others are crossing,” said another female pedestrian who did not want to be named.
Setting an example! neither pedestrians nor these WPCs seem to realize that they need to be guided by the traffic signals.
Public nuisance: These pedestrians one of them talking on her mobile, don't seem to realize they are putting drivers and themselves in danger
A man makes a dash across the road despite a bus approaching
Damn the lights… I'm in a hurry