Think of needs of pedestrians

6 May 2013

Editor, Forum Page

Straits Times

The Police reported that 50 people are killed each year while crossing
the road. 

I suggest that our traffic lights control system should also be designed

with the needs of pedestrians in mind.

I have tried to cross certain stretches of roads, such as Shenton Way or

Orchard Road, and the vehicles seem  to be flowing continuously. 

The traffic lights at the junctions or overhead bridge may be too far away 

for pedestrians to walk to.

It will be useful for the traffic lights to be synchronized to allow 1 minute for

passengers to cross the road. This could mean that all vehicles should be

stopped during this time.

It could be less costly than building overhead bridge or pedestrian tunnels,

and more convenient for passengers.

The only negative impact is that motorists will have to waste one minute, but

they do have to waste the time anyway in congested roads.

Let the needs of pedestrians, especially the elderly, be considered in our

planning of the traffic flow.