Walkie, no talkie: Japan city launches pedestrian smartphone ban

A Tokyo suburb on Wednesday imposed Japan's first ban on a habit seen around the world: pedestrians glued to their phone screens while walking, sometimes dangerously oblivious to their surroundings.

Visitors arriving at the railway station in Yamato City were greeted with banners announcing the new prohibition, which applies to all foot journeys around the neighbourhood’s public roads, squares and parks.
« Using smartphones while walking is banned. Please operate your smartphones after you stop walking, » a recorded female voice cautioned travellers.
There is no punishment for those unable to tear themselves away from their screens in the street but the suburb of 240,000 wants to use the ordinance to highlight the dangers of scrolling while strolling.