段差解消プレートの道路設置は「違法」　事故や排水妨げる恐れ　自治体が撤去呼びかけ【知ってもっと】【グッド！モーニング】(2026年6月4日)

Ramps and ramps, often seen in urban areas to eliminate the difference in height between roadways and sidewalks, are actually highly likely to be illegal. Many municipalities are calling for their removal. ■ Concerns about pedestrian and cyclist falls In residential areas of Tokyo, more than 10 of these ramps, designed to eliminate height differences, are placed all over the place. These ramps and ramps, commonly seen throughout the city to eliminate road height differences, are convenient for cars and bicycles, but municipalities are calling for their removal from roads. From X in Funabashi City: "Don't place objects on the road! Placing ramps and other similar items on the road without permission is prohibited by law." From the Kyoto City website: "We request that those who have installed them remove them promptly." These items, installed to eliminate height differences, are said to be in violation of the Road Act. The underlying concern is that they could lead to pedestrian and cyclist falls. Takashi Saida, Attorney at Law, Very Best Law Office "If it is determined that there is a risk of obstructing the structure or traffic of the road, and that this violates the Road Act, the statutory penalty is imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 500,000 yen." According to Attorney Saida, in the past, a university student riding a moped fell over a ramp-leveling plate and was hit by a following vehicle and killed. The installer was found guilty and fined 50,000 yen. The risks are not limited to accidents caused by falls. ■Flooding due to inability to drain It was just after 10:00 AM in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. Perhaps due to the effects of the metal plates used to level the road level, rainwater was accumulating around them. During Typhoon No. 6, road flooding occurred in many areas, and ramp-leveling plates can block the flow of rainwater, leading to inability to drain and potentially causing road flooding. In the past, some ramp-leveling plates have been washed away by the rain. To completely eliminate the step difference, construction work to lower the sidewalk or other elevated areas is necessary, requiring permission from the local government. However, the cost is borne by the business, and according to OPEN, the going rate is between 300,000 and 800,000 yen, making it difficult for many to afford. ■Illegal Installation: Future Countermeasures In Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, subsidies are provided for the cost of temporary ramps and other equipment used to eliminate steps, targeting shops and businesses. A facility in Shimokitazawa used this system last year to introduce the ramps. They are normally stored inside the store. Storage of Temporary Ramp Ayumi Takano, Omusubi Real Estate "We only bring out the temporary ramps when needed and for the required time. The facility itself is very close to a ward road. Since there are restrictions on installing permanent ramps, removable ramps are extremely useful." The issue of illegal installation of step-eliminating plates was also raised in the ward's budget special committee. Setagaya Ward, Kishimoto, Head of Civil Engineering Planning and Coordination Division: "We confirm the objects in question through reports from residents and daily patrols, and we are working to improve the situation by providing guidance and warnings to the owners." Komeito Party, Setagaya Ward Council Member, Takahashi Akihiko: "Even if warnings are given, I don't think the problem will be solved." Attorney Saida spoke about future measures as follows: "Since people don't seem to have a sense of guilt, the most important thing is to announce that this is a violation of the law and that if an accident occurs, they will be obligated to pay compensation to the victims. Also, since lowering the curb requires time and money, we could consider providing financial assistance." (From the broadcast on June 4, 2026) [TV Asahi NEWS] https://news.tv-asahi.co.jp