Surveillance Cameras Now Installed at Nearly 1,000 Intersections
Beijing has installed traffic surveillance cameras at 945 of the city's busiest intersections in order to maintain traffic safety and order.
In keeping with transparency regulations, the city updated its full list of traffic cameras last week after incrementing its flotilla of electronic eyes earlier this month and back in February.
And while surveillance cameras have been a common sight throughout the capital for quite some time, a glance at last week's list shows an unequal distribution that does not favor Beijing's downtown core.
Traffic surveillance cameras have been installed at 52 Dongcheng locations known for traffic congestion such as Dongzhimen and Wangfujing, of which eight have been put up near Dongsi. However, none of the new traffic cameras are located in Chaoyang. Meanwhile, some of the surveillance cameras have been deployed to a single intersection in Xicheng and Fengcheng, respectively.
Instead, the majority of the installed traffic cameras have been placed in Beijing's outward-lying areas. Haidian District receives the bulk of the installations at 477 of its intersections, three of which are located around Tsinghua University and one of which is located at Wudaokou Subway Station.
Nearly 200 intersections in east Beijing suburb Tongzhou have been equipped with the traffic cameras, while another 196 intersections in Changping District to the northwest are now under electronic surveillance.
READ: Beijing to Slow Down Traffic by Confusing Drivers With Optical Illusions
Aside from Wudaokou, the traffic cameras have not been installed at intersections belonging to many of Beijing's expat enclaves. According to the list, there are no new traffic cameras installed at Sanlitun, Tuanjiehu, Hujialou, Shuangjing, Nanluoguxiang, or Shunyi.
Last month, Beijing officially implemented an automated system to punish drivers for illegally using car horns. Located at 20 intersections throughout the city, violators are given fines of RMB 100. Last month also saw Beijing attempt to crack down on jaywalkers by installing a giant video screen to shame violators illegally crossing against red lights.
Even though established laws already punish traffic violators with fines and point deductions from their driver's license, Chinese authorities have shown a willingness to use the country's nascent "social credit system" as a way to uphold public order.
Beijing motorists and drivers can view the full list here (in Chinese): bjjtgl.gov.cn/jgj/wsgs/568535/index.html.
Images: Sohu.com, BJ News (163.com), City8.com, Wugu.com.cn
New Beijing US Embassy Sculpture Likened to Anal Beads
Woman Pays RMB 12,000 for Taxi Ride from Hangzhou to Beijing
The 6th Beijing Burger Festival Returns Jun 16-17!
Two Women Beaten in Alleged Homophobic Attack in 798
Always something fresh
Long press the QR code above to follow us!
Tap on the cover to access the latest print issue.