15 Apr 2025

A pedestrian was fined P100 for failure to walk on the side of the on-coming traffic alongside the A1 highway in a rather compelling road traffic regulations violation case in Tonota on Saturday, as the police took a firm stance against pedestrian disregard for road safety.

Acting Station Commander of Tonota Police Station, Assistant Superintendent Patricia Moeng explained that they had observed a concerning pattern of pedestrian negligence contributing to accidents, with the blame often being placed unfairly on drivers.

Assistant Superintendent Moeng said the issue was compounded by the village's division into the east and west sides and both areas having a high concentration of alcohol outlets. She further said pedestrians usually got intoxicated in the wee hours of the morning and frequently crossed the A1 highway, leading to a high risk of hit-and-run incidents.

Assistant Superintendent Moeng emphasised that this reckless disregard for their own safety and that of motorists placed drivers in danger and usually the blame was shifted inappropriately.

Despite the police's efforts of conducting public awareness campaigns, she said, attendance was usually poor. To address this, the police have reinforced their enforcement approach. 

The recent charge against the pedestrian, who failed to adhere to the rule of facing oncoming traffic, resulted in a P100 fine and failure to pay within 14 days would lead to court for trial. ENDS