This is a line that shall not be crossed
Bike and e-bike riders at crossroads should stop behind the white line on a red light, a rule which is now to be enforced by police cameras.
The first camera was installed at the junction of Gonghexin and Zhonghuaxin roads in Jing’an District at the beginning of the year and has so far caught over 30 offenders, traffic police said Monday.
If the camera spots a bike or an e-bike beyond the white line for at least five seconds it records the offense. Police then use facial recognition technology to identify the offender.
Wang Tao, an officer with the traffic police technology department, said an offense is defined as a bike or e-bike entirely over the line, blocking pedestrians on zebra crossings. Offenders are fined 30 yuan (US$4.40).
It might seem like a small amount, but there could be severe consequences.
“Accidents have occurred when a large vehicle making a right turn has failed to notice people on bikes or e-bikes on the crossings and ran them over,” Wang said.
Those who have verified mobile phone numbers with the police will be contacted and charged by SMS message. Others will be sought in person.
“Repeat offenders who don’t pay their fines may lose credit in the national credit system,” Wang said.
Cameras will soon be introduced in other parts of the city.
In January last year, the traffic police started to use cameras to catch jaywalkers and riders who run red lights or use the wrong lane. So far, over 10,000 offenders have paid fines for offenses caught on camera.
An offender caught on January 11
An offender caught on January 8
