Warrnambool police have urged motorists to take their time and get to know the workings of new zebra pedestrian crossings in Liebig Street.
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Senior Sergeant Tania Barbary said motorists must give way to any pedestrians on a crossing.
“A driver approaching a pedestrian crossing must drive at a speed at which the driver can, if necessary, stop safely before the crossing,” she said.
“For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision.”
She said drivers have to give way going in and out of roundabouts if there is a crossing.
“With any new traffic or road environment we want people to be able to adapt to that and go about their business by foot or vehicle safely,” she said.
“It will take a little getting used to. I think the greatest challenge will be being prepared to be cautious and go about it slowly. We are coming up to summer and the CBD will be busy with people doing their christmas shopping and tourists in town and there will be people in the area who are unfamiliar with the rules. People need to be patient and make sure they leave plenty of room between the vehicle in front and behind them so they can stop safely.”
Senior Sergeant Barbary said the penalty for failing to give way to a pedestrian on a crossing could result in an infringement notice with a penalty of $277 and three demerit points.
Colliding with the rear of a vehicle who had stopped to give way to pedestrians could be careless driving and a full licence holder infringement notice penalty would be $381 and three demerit points.
“While it is the responsibility of the driver to give way to pedestrians, we are also urging pedestrians to exercise patience and care,” Senior Sergeant Barbary said.
“They should not take it for granted that drivers are going to stop, and should make sure that it is safe to cross before entering the crossing. Make eye contact with an approaching driver to make sure they have seen you and are slowing to allow you right of way.”