Police want to set the record straight about new rules that took effect January 1 requiring drivers to wait until pedestrians completely clear the intersection.
Sergeant Ed MacLean is in charge of the traffic branch of the Chatham-Kent Police Service. He says the new rules only apply to school crossings and pedestrian crossovers. The rules don't apply to intersections with a stop sign or at a traffic light where a crossing guard is not present.
He believes it'll make the walk to school much safer for children.
"(It'll) make it safer for both the crossing guards and the children," he says. "I've seen many times that people whiz around corners, and they don't wait for pedestrians. The safety of our children is paramount."
MacLean admits it often takes drivers time to adjust to new rules but says there will be no grace period. Police began enforcing the new regulations Monday morning as thousands of children across the region returned to class after the Christmas break.
The penalty for drivers who move ahead too soon is a fine of $150, or $300 in a community safety zone, plus court costs.
