The public security traffic administrative department of Chongqing Municipality recently installed face recognition stations at some pedestrian crossings to reduce the instances of illegal street-crossing, according to Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau on June 6, Chongqing Daily reported.

Illegal crossings have been reduced from 40 percent of all crossings to less than 3 percent since the system went into trial operation at the beginning of this year.

Some pedestrians cross roads without following the directions of traffic lights, which increases congestion and leads to more accidents. Therefore, timely reminders and strict enforcement of the law are essential to address this problem.

The system warns pedestrians against crossing streets when the light is red, and automatically captures images of law-breaking pedestrians' faces, which are then projected on a large screen nearby. Meanwhile, video evidence is stored and uploaded for authorities to review.

During the system's trial operation, police are inclined to issue warnings when people cross roads illegally. After the system is put into formal use, unruly pedestrians will be fined up to 50 RMB ($7.40) per infraction. The system will be implemented at crowded crossroads around the city this year.