Crosswalk Fines Being Enforced In New Jersey
MAPLE SHADE, N.J. (CBS) - It was a beautiful day for a walk on Monday. It was made even more pleasant for three men in Collingswood who were happy that a driver stopped for them in a crosswalk on Haddon Avenue. According to them, it's not the norm
"Some people just don't stop," said Craig Knaup of Collingswood.
"It's interesting that people will stop for an animal, ducks, I've seen that, but when it's a human, Heaven forbid, that's the case," said Michael Simone of Cinnaminson.
Collingswood Mayor Jim Maley and Robin Rieger were trying to cross in a crosswalk when two cars passed by, essentially breaking the law that changed in April 2010. Drivers are now required to stop, not just yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. Mayor Maley says the issue has to be a two-way street
"The guy driving is me one day, you the next, then you're the pedestrian. Everybody needs to slow it down and give a little better look," said Maley.
Maple Shade is now educating the public with signs on East Main Street before drivers start getting tickets for violations that could run them $200.
Pedestrians can be ticketed too for darting out unsafely; sometimes they walk right out into the street without even looking. Jean Brennan of Collingswood says sometimes pedestrians walk right into the street without looking both ways.
"I think sometimes they are at fault," Brennan said.
"If you're the pedestrian, stop. When it's clear, proceed across," said Police Chief Gary Gubbei.
Two of six crosswalks in Maple Shade have lights which make some people feel safer. Two boys, one on a bike, the other on a scooter found crossing the street with the police chief is the best way to go. Maple Shade will start enforcement in a few weeks after giving the public time to notice the signs and be reminded of the law.
"We don't want anyone to get hit and don't want a driver to hit anyone," said Officer Gubbei.
Reported by Robin Rieger, CBS 3
