POLICE CRACK DOWN ON PEDESTRIANS IN CBD
Published Sunday, 05 August, 2007 at 07:00 AM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
Police in the Brisbane Central District are coming down hard on pedestrians who break the law, with more than 2,000 people issued with offence notices in the first six months of this year, Minister for Police Judy Spence said today.
Ms Spence said targeted operations by police aim to protect the lives of Queenslanders crossing our roads.
“Police have conducted 91 operations targeting pedestrians in the CBD and Fortitude Valley since the start of the year,” Ms Spence said.
“There have been 12 operations targeting jaywalking and 981 people were booked by police for illegally crossing the road.
“Another 79 operations caught 1166 people breaking pedestrian laws such as crossing against a don’t walk sign and failing to use a footpath.
“Most traffic incidents involving pedestrians occur at intersections or road crossings controlled by pedestrian lights.
“If pedestrians obey the road rules in these areas it will help reduce the number of people killed or injured.”
Ms Spence said two people have died in the Brisbane Central District so far this year after being hit by vehicles and others have been injured.
“Police are very concerned about pedestrians who fail to cross the road properly, particular during peak hour and late at night in the entertainment precincts of the valley and the city.
“Police have noticed many pedestrians will obey signals when they observe a heavy police presence and officers will maintain their efforts to help reduce the number of people breaking the law.”
Ms Spence said it is up pedestrians to know the rules and avoid a fine.
“If you cross the street within 20 metres of a traffic control signal you can be booked for jaywalking.”
“If you cross the road when a ‘Don’t Walk’ sign is illuminated, walk where there are ‘No Pedestrian’ signs or walk on the road instead of on the footpath you can also be fined by police.
“I encourage all pedestrians to abide by the rules and reduce the risk of being injured or killed.”
Media Contact: Nicola Hazell 0408 732 491
Ms Spence said targeted operations by police aim to protect the lives of Queenslanders crossing our roads.
“Police have conducted 91 operations targeting pedestrians in the CBD and Fortitude Valley since the start of the year,” Ms Spence said.
“There have been 12 operations targeting jaywalking and 981 people were booked by police for illegally crossing the road.
“Another 79 operations caught 1166 people breaking pedestrian laws such as crossing against a don’t walk sign and failing to use a footpath.
“Most traffic incidents involving pedestrians occur at intersections or road crossings controlled by pedestrian lights.
“If pedestrians obey the road rules in these areas it will help reduce the number of people killed or injured.”
Ms Spence said two people have died in the Brisbane Central District so far this year after being hit by vehicles and others have been injured.
“Police are very concerned about pedestrians who fail to cross the road properly, particular during peak hour and late at night in the entertainment precincts of the valley and the city.
“Police have noticed many pedestrians will obey signals when they observe a heavy police presence and officers will maintain their efforts to help reduce the number of people breaking the law.”
Ms Spence said it is up pedestrians to know the rules and avoid a fine.
“If you cross the street within 20 metres of a traffic control signal you can be booked for jaywalking.”
“If you cross the road when a ‘Don’t Walk’ sign is illuminated, walk where there are ‘No Pedestrian’ signs or walk on the road instead of on the footpath you can also be fined by police.
“I encourage all pedestrians to abide by the rules and reduce the risk of being injured or killed.”
Media Contact: Nicola Hazell 0408 732 491