The summer isn’t over yet, but it’s winding down. Residents are back from their holidays, our community’s youth are returning to school and post secondary students are returning to the City. As such we’d like to remind motorists of some important rules of the road as we head into the coming autumn and winter seasons.
- Crosswalks are non-negotiable! When pedestrians are at a crosswalk, you must yield until they have fully crossed the road. Remember, in Newfoundland and Labrador pedestrians have the right of way at all intersections, including ones marked with stop or yield signs.
- When a crosswalk has lights, the lights do not have to be flashing. Pedestrians have the right of way regardless. Additionally, if lines are not on the road yet due to summer construction, the crosswalks are marked by signage and you must yield.
- School zones, marked by signage, are reduced to 30km/h from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. As per the NL Highway Traffic Act, speeding in a school zone can lead to vehicle impoundment and fines from $270 – $1,900.
- It is illegal to pass a school bus when it is stopped and road users must obey the visual signals of the bus driver or the bus, such as the activated stop arm and flashing red or amber lights. Fines for illegally passing a school bus range from $500 – $1,200.
These rules also apply to ATV operators and cyclists when they are using our roadways.
When persistent issues are observed or reported, the City’s engineering department may consider measures for mitigation however we must consider these options according to our traffic calming and crosswalk policies, which can be found here: LINK.
Ultimately, road users must move around the City safely and predictably. Drivers are required to leave one metre of open space between their vehicles and cyclists when passing in zones where the speed limit is 60km/h or less, so all residential roads. It is also illegal to drive while using a mobile phone or any other hand-held device — distracted driving can be deadly.
The City is committed to creating safer streets for everyone, but we need your help! By following these rules, you are not only avoiding fines and penalties but also protecting the lives of those in our community.
