Does BC need more protections for pedestrians?
Posted January 4, 2016 7:08 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – It’s a new year. Is it time to take a new look at the space shared by pedestrians and drivers on our roads?
Ontario is now targeting motorists who hit the gas too soon at certain crossings, with fines ranging from $150 to $500 — double at school crossings — and the idea is getting mixed reviews in Vancouver.
During the morning commute, there were gripes from both sides, with drivers saying pedestrians don’t follow the rules and pedestrians saying drivers don’t respect their safety.
“I’d rate drivers here as very poor,” says Stacey. “They don’t take the time to look around or be cautious of left or right. They always look towards the traffic and forget about people on the sidewalk. When they see a clearance, they just go and overrun the stop line.”
He tells NEWS 1130 he would welcome any changes to BC laws that would help protect pedestrians.
Ontario’s new legislation requires drivers to wait at a complete stop until pedestrians in controlled crossings have completely stepped off the road.
The new rules apply to “pedestrian crossovers,” which Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation says “are identified by specific signs, pavement markings and lights.” They have overhead lights and push buttons for pedestrians.
Also, pedestrians are prohibited from entering a crossing if the vehicle is so close, the driver cannot stop.
