RIGHTS OF PEDESTRIANS

Evening Star, Issue 22683, 24 June 1937, Page 14

RIGHTS OF PEDESTRIANS

DEFINED BY TRANSPDRT MINISTER NO NEED FOR CONFUSION RULES ON ROAD CROSSINGS [Per United Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH. Juno 24. “ There is really no need at all for any confusion by pedestrian or motorist concerning the proper use of authorised pedestrian crossings,” said the Hon. R. Semple to-day. . “ These crossings are specially designed to facilitate traffic, while, at the same time, guaranteeing safety at selected points to pedestrians who use the crossings. ‘‘ At these crossings there is certainly need for clear understanding and close co-operation between motorist and pedestrian. The motorist may .not at any time or in any place drive in a manner likely to endanger others. When nearing a pedestrian crossing he is required by the regulations to reduce speed so as to be able to stop before actually reaching the crossing. The second condition is that when a pedestrian is lawfully in his own half of the crossing the motorist must stop and not move over or on to the crossing, as the pedestrian then has the right of way. “ The pedestrian, has a duty under the regulations and, may I say, tp himself also, and under the rules of common courtesy as well. Where there is no pedestrian crossing reasonably handy to him his proper course is. wherever possible, to cross at right angles to the footpath, looking first to the right before stepping into the roadway at the pedestrian crossing. Ho should remain on the footpath until he sees he has a lawful right to step into the crossing. He has this right only when the near half of crossing is clear of any vehicle. It is at this stage the approaching motorist plays his part. He must already have slowed down, -and must stop when he sees the pedestrian actually off the footpath and within the lines, marking the crossing. “ The pedestrian is not entitled to loiter in the crossing. Loitering includes standing off the footpath and inside the crossing, although,, when he has reached the centre line, the pedestrian must wait until any vehicle which is. at that moment in the second- half of crossing has passed him. The pedestrian is then entitled to proceed and, upon ' his doing so, any vehicle approaching this half of the crossing must give way to him.”