Red tape no excuse for risking people's lives

NEARLY 50 PEOPLE have lost their lives in the past 11 years while crossing a road in Cangzhou, North China's Hebei province, due to the absence of traffic lights at some 20 crossroads. China Youth Daily commented on Tuesday:

Members of the local political advisory body have more than once proposed equipping the dangerous roads with more traffic lights, even speed bumps, however, none have been installed. The Cangzhou traffic administration authorities say they cannot install them, because the provincial transport bureau is yet to approve their application.

Local residents are right to blame the procedural red tape and the provincial transport officials for exhibiting a lack of respect for life.