Bryce Eishold
Ninety pedestrians were caught breaking the law during a recent operation in the Latrobe Valley’s three main central business districts.
Police from Latrobe Highway Patrol hit the streets in plain clothes and uniform to crack down on people jay-walking and crossing at intersections inappropriately.
It was only days before a 60-year-old Traralgon man was struck by a vehicle in Traralgon and taken to Latrobe Regional Hospital with lacerations to his face.
Latrobe Highway Patrol acting Sergeant Paul Douglas said Operation Zebra caught pedestrians, cyclists and drivers breaking the law.
“We got about 37 people crossing against the red man, crossing within 20 metres of a pedestrian crossing when the crossing is right there, bicycle offences, [such as] not wearing helmets, and we caught a few drivers on mobile phone,” acting Sergeant Douglas said.
“The second day was even bigger, we got 53 and that was a mix of pedestrian, bicycle and driving offences.”
Police are warning pedestrians to pay attention and take care after they believed there has been an increase in jay-walking in recent times.
“The major CBDs are our biggest hotspots, particularly Traralgon because of the amount of pedestrians, traffic and train station – it seems to be quite a problem,” acting Sergeant Douglas said.
“I think people are in a hurry to get along – especially to the train with those extra few minutes they may save.”
Acting Sergeant Douglas said it was a “recipe for disaster” waiting to happen.
“Given we’ve seen an increase in people using mobile phones while driving, drivers are not paying much attention and all of a sudden if the driver isn’t paying attention and the pedestrian is doing the wrong thing it could be bad,” he said.
“We’re not out to crucify people – we just want to try and make them aware what to do at a pedestrian crossing or lights.”
Another operation targeting pedestrians will take place in August and if caught, people can be issued with an $81 fine.
