POLICE SUCCESSFULLY BRING FIRST “JAYWALKING” MATTER TO COURT

Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 27, 2018 (RSCNPF): Neville Fahie of Newton Ground became the federation’s first person to be convicted for crossing the road illegally.

Fahie was arrested and charged on June 21, 2018 for the offences of Failing To Comply With a Traffic Pedestrian Signal and for Making Use of Indecent Language.

At the Basseterre Magistrate Court on June 22, Fahie was convicted and fined $350 to be paid in seven (7) days or, in default, serve one (1) month in prison for crossing the road when the upraised hand was shown. Fahie was also convicted and fined $500 to be paid in fourteen (14) days or, in default, serve six (6) weeks in prison for the offence of Making Use of Indecent Language.

Traffic lights were commissioned in St. Kitts in February. As a result, a number of changes were made to the relevant regulations. Section 5.1 of the Vehicles and Road Traffic (Light Signals) Regulations states that a pedestrian shall have the right of way whenever a traffic signal shows a steady “Walk” sign or the diagram of a walking person. Section 5.2 states that a pedestrian shall not cross the road whenever a traffic signal shows: (a) a flashing sign of the phrase “Don’t Walk” or the diagram of an upraised hand; and (b) a steady sign of the phrase “Don’t Walk” or the diagram of an upraised hand. Section 5.3 adds that a pedestrian shall comply with all traffic signals that are applicable to pedestrians at an intersection.

Motorists and pedestrians alike, are reminded that the traffic signals are in place to assist with the smooth flow of traffic and to coordinate the movement between motor vehicles and pedestrians. They are there to ensure the safety of all road users and it is important that persons follow their instructions.

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