SAFE TO CROSS: The newly appointed traffic warden gestures to pedestrians to cross over to Sibu Central Market when vehicles are halted.
SIBU: A traffic warden has been deployed near Sibu Central Market to put the brakes on motorists or cyclists beating the lights and unnerving pedestrians.
Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman Daniel Ngieng said the warden would alert vehicles to slow down when nearing the traffic island and stop when pedestrians are crossing.
“According to the consultants in the past, the traffic island is sufficient to safeguard the safety of pedestrians when crossing. However, our engineering unit figures that certain traffic like motorcycles may be moving too fast when nearing the area.
“We are also worried that some vehicles may still move despite the traffic light turning red and this could pose a danger to pedestrians. Hence, the warden will act as a physical guide to slow down, alerting them to the presence of pedestrians and ensure that vehicles come to a halt when pedestrians cross.
“This is to better safeguard the safety of pedestrians as well as vehicle owners themselves,” Ngieng told The Borneo Post when asked to shed light on the presence of new personnel there.
He pointed out that Channel Road was the busiest part of the town and is often congested.
Asked if the presence of the traffic light would ease traffic congestion, he said the system was to facilitate the pedestrian crossing.
Ngieng stressed that what was more important was for all parties to observe traffic rules in the interest of safety.
An observer there noted that the system facilitated elderly pedestrians crossing the road.
The warden would whistle for vehicles to come to a complete stop when the traffic light turns red and signal for pedestrians to cross, preventing jaywalking as well.
The elderly and children were spotted being guided to cross the road.
Meanwhile, two new traffic lights fitted with countdown timer at Sibu Gateway and Pedada Road have made it easier to cross the road.