New pedestrian crossovers installed in Blandford-Blenheim and Tillsonburg

Oxford County has installed two new pedestrian crossovers to enhance road safety near local schools.

The new crossovers are located in:

• Drumbo in the Township of Blandford-Blenheim: Oxford Road 3 (Wilmot Street South) at Blenheim Public School
• Tillsonburg: Oxford Road 53 (Tillson Avenue) near Annandale Public School

Each pedestrian crossover features side-mounted and overhead pedestrian crossing signs, yellow rapid flashing beacons, and pavement markings indicating where motorists must stop when pedestrians are present.

Pedestrian crossovers are designated road crossings where pedestrians always have the right of way. At these locations, motorists and cyclists must come to a complete stop behind the pavement markings and remain stopped until the pedestrian has fully crossed the road.

Pedestrians also play an important role in ensuring safety at these crossings. Pedestrians must stop before entering, activate the flashing beacons, signal their intention to cross, and not step off the curb or enter the roadway if an approaching vehicle is so close that it would be impossible or unsafe for the driver to stop. Cyclists using the crossovers must dismount and walk their bicycles across.

The new pedestrian crossovers support Oxford County’s ongoing commitment to improving pedestrian safety, particularly in school zones and other high-traffic areas.

Background

Pedestrian crossovers are regulated under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, which sets out the responsibilities of motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. Failure to follow the rules at a pedestrian crossover can result in penalties, including fines ranging from $300 to $1,000 for a first offence; $500 to $1,000 for subsequent offences; and doubled fines in community safety zones. Failing to yield at a pedestrian crossover also carries a penalty of four demerit points.