The provincial government has taken draconian measures on jaywalkers in an effort to curb pedestrian injuries and fatalities.
"This year [Nova Scotia] is upping its fines for jaywalking to $700 for a first offence," reports Paul McLeod. "It’s $1,272 for a second offence and a whopping $2,422 for a third offence."
McLeod is obviously confused about why the province would enact such fines in a province home to the pedestrian friendly city of Halifax. He claims that the new fines in Nova Scotia go well beyond the normal: "Jaywalking fees in many cities range between $15 and $100."
In response to the new fines, McLeod puts them in context of other traffic fines found in Nova Scotia. The list of offenses that will cost less than jaywalking after the province enacts the new law includes drinking and driving, failing to stop for a school bus with a flashing red light, and driving without a valid driver's license.
McLeod goes on to report on the high rate of pedestrian injuries and fatalities that led to the new fines. The article allows Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Geoff MacLellan a chance to make his case for the new fines. The article also notes, however, the creation of a Facebook group to gather advocates who have "come out swinging" in reaction to the new fines.
FULL STORY: It Will Soon Be More Expensive To Jaywalk Than To Drink And Drive In Nova Scotia
NYC Officials Split on Jaywalking Decriminalization
While some council members say the ‘outdated’ practice disproportionately impacts Black and Latino residents, law enforcement officials say its a necessary measure for road safety.
Traffic Safety Efforts Chug Ahead — Too Slowly for Some
Around the United States, traffic deaths are growing or plateauing, yet efforts to make roads safer still face political opposition.
The Push To Decriminalize Jaywalking
Supporters of decriminalization argue that jaywalking laws don’t keep pedestrians safe and disproportionately burden Black and brown communities with fines.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Half of Post-Fire Altadena Home Sales Were to Corporations
Large investors are quietly buying up dozens of properties in Altadena, California, where a devastating wildfire destroyed more than 6,000 homes in January.
Opinion: What San Francisco’s Proposed ‘Family Zoning’ Could Really Mean
Mayor Lurie is using ‘family zoning’ to encourage denser development and upzoning — but could the concept actually foster community and more human-scale public spaces?
Jacksonville Launches First Autonomous Transit Shuttle in US
A fleet of 14 fully autonomous vehicles will serve a 3.5-mile downtown Jacksonville route with 12 stops.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont