Police have issued a reminder to everyone to look out for pedestrians to make sure our roads are safe for all road users.

Acting Inspector Ben Duffey said that poor driving behaviour, including failing to comply with red and amber traffic control signals, was a major contributing factor to pedestrian crashes.

“A number of fatal and serious crashes occurring at controlled intersections could have been avoided if motorists had obeyed the traffic control signals, or maintained a proper lookout,” Acting Inspector Duffey said.

“If you’re a pedestrian – look up from your mobile, be alert and only cross the road when the pedestrian light is green.

“Over the coming weeks, we’ll be focussing on enforcement activities in the greater Hobart area, concentrating on offences which contribute to pedestrian and vehicle crashes which in turn place road users at risk.

“This includes drivers and pedestrians who fail to comply with traffic control signals, failure to give way, use mobile phone etc.”

The fine for failing to comply with a red or amber yellow traffic control signal is $159.00 and 3 demerit points.  The fine for a pedestrian failing to comply with the direction of a traffic control signal is $39.00.  Use mobile phone while driving is $336.00 and 3 demerit points.

“Tasmania Police wants you to slow down, be aware of your surroundings and stop and arrive alive – the lights won’t be red or amber for long,” Acting Inspector Duffey said.

Police will use a combination of unmarked vehicles, high visibility marked police vehicles, marked police motorcycles and members undertaking foot patrols.