“Constable Fines saved my life” – New crosswalk “unsafe,” Council hears

July 15, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Michelle Janzen

Local resident Gord Craig spoke to Council on Monday regarding the danger of crossing at the new crosswalk on Main Street as vehicles are not stopping.

“What is it going to take – someone getting hit or killed at this crosswalk?” he asked local lawmakers. “It’s a fact, and a crisis, and something needs to be done now.”

Craig stated that on numerous occasions he has had near misses with vehicles ignoring him as he crosses at the newly installed crosswalk located on Main Street East and William Street; so much so that he had Councillor Walter Benotto, Town of Shelburne CAO John Telfer, and Constable Andrew Fines of the Shelburne Police Services attend the location and observe the blatant disregard for the crosswalk by the majority of vehicles going past it.

At one point, Craig said “had it not been for Constable Fines yelling at me to get out of the way while crossing with the lights flashing I would have been hit! Constable Fines saved my life.”

At that point Craig asked Councillor Randy Chambers, Chair of the Police Services Board what he was going to do about it.

“Steps are being taken to resolve the issue and the MTO (Ministry of Transportation of Ontario) is well aware of the problems we are having,” said CAO Telfer, who went on to say “What I would like to see is the MTO spend some time at this crosswalk to experience the problems first hand.”

Chambers pointed out “The Shelburne Police are aware of the situation and are taking steps to resolve it.”

He then went on to list the most recent Police stats showing that many tickets for infractions of this type have been issued.

“Yes it a problem, and the police are doing their due diligence to improve the situation,” he reiterated.

With that, Shelburne Police would like to remind all motorists and pedestrians to obey the laws in regards to pedestrian crossovers, with safety being the top priority for everyone.

Pedestrians are reminded that you must push the button to activate the warning lights prior to crossing. Be sure to also look both ways to make sure all vehicles are stppping prior to stepping off the sidewalk and onto the roadway.

Constable Paul Neumann of the Shelburne Police Department would like to remind people that “It is important that pedestrians don’t assume they can just walk across the street as soon as the crossing lights are activated. The vehicles must be given reasonable time to stop or clear the crosswalk.”

While Motorists and cyclists in all directions are reminded that you must stop at pedestrian crossovers and give the right of way to the pedestrian. Once stopped, you must remain so until the pedestrians are completely off the roadway, not just off their side of the road. When the crosswalk lights start flashing drivers must stop as long as it is reasonable to do so.

“In general, being aware of your surroundings, without distractions, especially in pedestrian crossover areas and intersections is essential to keeping everyone on our roadways safe,” says Neumann.

With that we would like to remind everyone that fines for offences at pedestrian crossings, school crossing and at all crosswalks where there are traffic signals could cost you $150 to $500 and three demerit points.

The fine for running a red light, also a practice that puts pedestrians at risk is $200 to $1,000.

Lesa Peat, President of the Shelburne Legion, was also in attendance, asked to consider having the areas deemed Community Safety Zones which would double the fines.

That was an idea that was well received from all of Council and something that will be considered in the future.

“We are looking into whether or not more signage could be put up to alert drivers to the upcoming Crosswalk,” said Telfer, outlining next steps on the horizon to address the issue.