Sydney Police Fine More Than 100 People For Jaywalking During One Day Blitz

It's not well known that jaywalking is actually a crime in New South Wales.

Most people are well aware that you can cop a decent fine for illegally crossing the street in America but that's because there's a good chance you'll be penalised. In Australia, it's rarely enforced.

However, every now and then police choose to do a blitz to remind people that they're actually breaking the law every time they cross the street without a pedestrian strip or green walking light.

Well, this week officers were stationed around Sydney and managed to nab more than 100 people.

Each person caught jaywalking copped a $75 fine, meaning officers netted a decent $7,725 in penalties in one day.

Pictures of the blitz were shared by the New South Wales Traffic and Highway Patrol Command on Facebook, with the group saying: "With the road toll currently sitting at 171 lives lost, which also includes 26 pedestrians and 5 cyclists, all road users are urged to share the road safely."

But it seems like some people on social media questioned whether the blitz was the best use of police time and effort

"We have an increasing crime rate with robberies, shootings and stabbings, meanwhile police are tackling the big issues...was it safe to cross? Were cars delayed? It's like traffic lights that allow for left turns on red. Keeps things moving. Common sense approach to policing... please," wrote one person.

"Wow that's pretty low fining a pedestrian," said another.

But surprisingly there were plenty of people supporting the move, with one person writing: "These kind of activities should be carried out more often."

"Good Work NSW Police! This spot is serious black spot for jaywalking," added wrote another.

And some wanted more of these stings.

One person commented: "Better off at school crossings and checkout horrible parents and grandparents breaking the law and abusing teachers and those who do the right thing."

"How about fining pedestrians for using mobile phones when crossing roads. I have seen people in deep conversation start crossing the street without even looking," added a second.

It's surely an annoyance to people who have to cough up the $75 because they'd usually get away with walking across the road without a green light.

But maybe these types of stings will make people think twice about stepping off the footpath.

Featured Image Credit: New South Wales Traffic and Highway Patrol Command

Topics: Police, News, Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie