In an effort to enhance public safety, a city in Japan has implemented a ban on walking on escalators, as reported by the Independent. This new ordinance, which came into effect on October 1 in Nagoya, requires individuals to stand still on escalators in order to prevent accidents.
Under the ordinance, individuals are obligated to stand rather than walk when riding escalators in public spaces such as train stations, office buildings, and shopping centers, according to Kyodo News. Interestingly, there are no penalties outlined for disregarding this rule.
Traditionally, in Japan, individuals stand still on the left side of escalators, leaving the right side open for those who wish to walk up or down. However, authorities hope that people will now stand still on both sides at train stations and other establishments.
This decision follows numerous incidents of individuals losing their balance and causing collisions, as well as accidents involving commuters sprinting up and down escalators. There are also risks associated with individuals who have disabilities or injuries and require crutches or walking canes.
Between 2018 and 2019, a total of 805 escalator accidents were classified as cases of “improper use,” as reported by Japan Times.
The Nagoya City government has installed posters at major train stations to raise awareness about the new ordinance. Some of these posters depict cartoons on escalators and feature messages encouraging individuals to “Let’s stop and get on both right and left” and “When using escalators, stop and use both the right and left sides. It’s my duty!”
Nagoya is the second city in Japan to implement such a ban. In October 2021, Saitama Prefecture also prohibited any movement on escalators. The ordinance required establishments with escalators to display signs instructing riders to refrain from walking or running on them.