Police targeted high risk pedestrian behaviours in the Hobart CBD yesterday as part of a road safety operation.
Inspector Steve Burk said that the focus was on unsafe driving behaviours such as inattention, blocking or choking of intersections, failing to comply with traffic signals, and pedestrians not complying with pedestrian traffic lights (or ‘J walking’).
Inspector Burk said he was disappointed with the number of offences.
• Pedestrians disobeying stop walking signals – 24
• Vehicles disobeying traffic signals – 22
• Drivers on mobile phones – 3
• Scooter offences – 2
• Blocked intersections – 4
• Speeding – 2
There were also several informal cautions given during the day.
• Pedestrians disobeying traffic signals – 86
• Vehicles blocking intersections – 10
• Scooter/bike offences – 16
• Vehicle fail to indicate – 1
• Move on directions – 2
“The apathy shown by motorists and pedestrians was disappointing. Crashes involving pedestrians are avoidable. Everyone has a responsibility for the safety of pedestrians. We urge all drivers and pedestrians to be safe and follow the rules. The level of non-compliance is such that the public can expect a stronger focus from police over coming days and months.”
Any unsafe pedestrian behaviour can be reported to Police on 131444 or provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperstas.com.au.
