Shenzhen unveils smart crossing system to reduce jaywalking

The display screen of the newly launched smart system, aiming to crack down on jaywalkers in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong province, Feb. 28, 2017 [Photo: youth.cn]

An intelligent anti-jaywalking system is being trialed by Shenzhen traffic police.

Local Municipal People's Congress members, citizens and students were invited to take part in a test on Tuesday to see it in action.

The experimental system monitors traffic in real time and regulates the lights to open gates to maximize traffic and pedestrian flow.

Vocal warnings are given, reminding pedestrians to cross the street at the proper time. The gate allowing entry to the crossing will close as soon as the red light comes on, with the corresponding gates on the other side closing 5-10 seconds later, to allow enough time for pedestrians to cross.

Anyone attempting to run a red light risks having their faces recorded, which will be displayed on screens nearby. Their details will also be uploaded to an official database.

The new system is said to be robust, reliable and weather proof, but if it fails for any reason, the gates will open to allow pedestrians to cross.

According to recent figures, running red lights - both by pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles - causes the most traffic-related deaths in China, accounting for 53 percent of the total.

The new system was praised by the test participants. Li Jizhao, a Municipal People's Congress deputy, believes the new system would "improve the efficiency of traffic'' and "relieve local traffic congestion".

The new system is just the beginning, said Shenzhen traffic police, as it is only the first of several innovations to come on stream to improve the local traffic situation.