SMC mulls using Belisha beacon at Sibu zebra crossings

Members of the public making use of the zebra crossing along Jalan Tuanku Osman. — Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (Jan 3): A Belisha beacon, or blinker type road sign, is proposed to be installed at pedestrian and zebra crossings here for the safety of road users, said Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman, Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley. He, however, pointed out that the proposal still needs to be studied by the relevant section of SMC.

“Under the proposed system, pedestrians can cross the road when the Belisha beacon turns white and when there are no cars, and cars have to stop for pedestrians to cross when the sign turns yellow,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday, when asked if the council had any plans to install signage at pedestrian crossings here. A pedestrian surnamed Ting had voiced concern to The Borneo Post that many vehicles did not stop at the zebra crossing along Jalan Tuanku Osman here. “I saw pedestrians waiting until there were no cars before crossing over to the other side of the road, and vice-versa.



“Correct me if I am wrong, I think vehicles should slow down upon reaching the pedestrian crossing and stop if there are pedestrians around, to allow them to cross,” he said. Izkandar stressed that drivers must be alert and give way to pedestrians at the zebra crossing. “Drivers should also be prepared to stop when approaching a zebra crossing, especially if there are pedestrians waiting.

“Pedestrians should be vigilant when crossing zebra crossings, assess road conditions and confirm that vehicles have stopped before proceeding,” he advised. On a separate matter, SMC Market and Petty Traders Standing Committee acting chairman, Councillor Augustine Merikan, informed that three sites have been approved for seasonal fruit trading to prevent illegal usage of parking bays or other open spaces. “The three sites are Uptown Taman Selera Harmoni opposite Tamu Fama, Jalan Permai and Sungai Merah New Market (open space), where seasonal fruit sellers can trade from December (2024) till February,” he said.

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