EXPLANATION OF LAW

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28265, 1 May 1957, Page 14

EXPLANATION OF LAW

Superintendent’s Comment The pedestrian who blatantly “baits” motorists on pedestrian crossings, and the motorist who disregards traffic regulations concerning pedestrian rights on these crossings can both expect severe action from the Christchurch City Council traffic department. The superintendent of the department (Mr G. P. Kellar) said this yesterday when commenting on remarks passed by Mr Raymond Ferner, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning. Mr Ferner complimented the department on its efforts to prosecute flagrant abuses of the crossing regulations. “Motorists who scatter pedestrians at crosings will be prosecuted; but it must also be recognised that pedestrians are under a moral obligation to respect motorists,” Mr Kellar said.

“The council has put before the Court flagrant breaches of regulations by motorists. But it would be unreasonable to prosecute a motorist for passing over the section of the crossing which he is entitled to if a pedestrian simply steps out, without warning, on to the crossing.” A motorist was obliged under the regulations to reduce speed when approaching a crossing so that he could stop if necessary. The law was plain. Pedestrians once on a crossing had. the right of way on the half of the road on which the oncoming vehicle was moving, he said. “But I emphasise that the pedestrian is only entitled to right of way on one side of the road, and should wait in- the safety zone if it is unreasonable for motorists to give way on’ the second half of the crossing. He can pause, and then complete the crossing. “It is a two-sided affair. Motorists must obey the regulations and pedestrians must use common sense. I do not think any of my officers would take action against a motorist for moving across a crossing if pedestrians had stepped onto the crossing without reasonable consideration for that motorist.” said Mr Kellar.