From this month end, police in Paro will impose a fine of Nu 550 to pedestrians and Nu 1,200 to motorists, for violating the zebra crossing rules.
According to Royal Bhutan Police, with about five deaths and 22 hit-and-run cases reported since January last year, reinforcing zebra crossings in Paro was found necessary.
The rule was enforced in Paro town about two years ago. However it could not materialise as the poor quality paint withered and the road maintenance took place.
“Due to some problems like road conditions, painting being withered out we could not properly implement zebra crossing rules,” said Paro Division’s Lieutenant Ugyen Penjore.
But now with roads maintained and paintings done, he added, the rule is being reinforced.
Starting last Sunday, Traffic police have started guiding both pedestrians and motorists from early morning rush hour to educate people on the use of zebra crossing.
Police say they will start imposing fines after creating awareness to the public for the next two weeks.
“Right after the awareness programme, we will enforce the fines and penalties as per the RSTA rules and regulations. The primary purpose of the zebra crossing is to maintain the peaceful and a safe interaction between the pedestrians and motorist and that is to prevent road accidents.”
The police hope to reduce the hit and run cases in Paro with the introduction of zebra crossings.
For now, there are nine zebra crossings in the main town. However, the municipal authority plans to make more zebra crossings in core town area and sub urban such as in Lamgong and Baangdey.
