Pedestrian safety 101

Traffic car

ACT Policing’s recent high visibility patrols at the intersection of Northbourne Avenue and Alinga Street in the City have shown too many people are still risking running a red light.

The patrols focused on educating the public about road safety and pedestrian offences as part of this month’s traffic focus on vulnerable road users.

Over a one hour period, police issued 58 cautions – 49 to pedestrians who did not comply with pedestrian crossing lights, seven cyclists not wearing helmets and two cyclists going through red lights.

Chief Police Officer Ray Johnson said the intersection of Northbourne Ave and Alinga St was selected as it is statistically the highest area for vehicle collisions with pedestrians in the ACT.

“The behaviour we observed is very dangerous and totally unnecessary,” CPO Johnson said.

“It should be obvious to everyone that crossing against the lights could have fatal consequences.”

“If the pedestrian lights show a red light and the pedestrian has not already started crossing the intersection or road, the pedestrian must not start to cross until the pedestrian lights change to green.”

Note: It is an offence to enter a pedestrian crossing against a red light with a fine of $151.

Media enquiries

Police Media — (02) 6264 9460, act-police-media@afp.gov.au

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