AFAIK this is the current law.
Land Transport (Road User) Rule 200411.5 Entering crossings
A pedestrian or a rider of a mobility device or wheeled recreational device must not suddenly enter a pedestrian crossing when an approaching vehicle is so close to the pedestrian crossing that the driver of the vehicle is unable to give way to the pedestrian or the driver or rider of the device.
An exchange of Letters to the Editor, BLENHEIM.
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Last updated 08:29 25/02/2013
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Careless pedestrians
As a driver I am becoming more and more concerned that pedestrians are getting confused about when to cross the road. People are walking straight out on to the pedestrian crossings in Blenheim, especially from Countdown to the library, without even looking for oncoming cars.
I stopped to ask one woman why she didn't look and got the answer that it was my job to stop for her as she was on the crossing.
She had absolutely no idea what the white diamond up the road meant - none at all.
I asked around and it seems hardly anyone knows that the diamond on the road marks the safe distance for a car to stop for the pedestrian crossing. One kid thought it was decoration.
That "decoration" means a car is required to stop for pedestrians if it is outside the diamond and the pedestrian is waiting at the crossing. If the car is inside the diamond mark, it is required to stop only if it is safe to do so - the pedestrian is required to let the car go first.
Walking out in front of a car two metres from the crossing will get you killed and you will be at fault - not the driver.
Please remember that you are flesh and bones and cars are metal and if you connect with one, it's you that will break first. That diamond is there for a reason and look for traffic - both ways, please.
LEIGH MADDISON
(400sm: that's the diamond rule I remember from my licence test in 1974. THIS RULE MAY NOT APPLY NOW.)
Blenheim
A response:
I do not know where Leigh Maddison found the information regarding the white diamond markings on the roads before pedestrian crossings [letters, Marlborough Express, February 25].
I have looked through the 2012-13 official Road Code book and the only references I can find regarding the white diamond is as follows:
■ Page 246: "White diamonds are generally painted on the road before a crossing and a white limit line shows where you have to stop."
■ Page 284: Question 528 of the learners licence theory test: "What does a white diamond on the road mean?" For the answer you are referred to page 246 as above.
As far as I can tell, the only reason for the white diamond is to show road users they are approaching a pedestrian crossing, and not for the reasons Leigh Maddison states.
WENDY WILSON
Blenheim
(400SM: Possibly a younger driver.)
NZ Transport Agency spokeswoman Jan McCarthy responds:
The white diamond markings on the road before pedestrian crossings are to warn drivers they are approaching a crossing. The markings are not intended to indicate to pedestrians when it is safe to cross. Since 2005, white diamonds have been optional to indicate the approach to a pedestrian crossing. However, road controlling authorities must now install pedestrian crossing warning signs and the road user rule requires a driver to give way to a pedestrian on a pedestrian crossing or a pedestrian who is obviously waiting to cross at a pedestrian crossing, unless the pedestrian is under the control of a school patrol.
(probably a law change. NZTA person probably is too young to remember.)
The Original writer responds:
Crossing rules
In response to Wendy Wilson [letters, Express, March 4], I got my information from the NZTA website - from a publication dated 2009 regarding pedestrian planning guides. It was also what I was taught by the officer who took me for my driver's licence over three decades ago; back in the days when people were also taught to stop at pedestrian crossings and look both ways before crossing and not simply stroll out as though it was an extension of the footpath.
I have had a chat with Jan McCarthy of the NZTA today and she was unaware of that publication herself. I will show her that crossing when she comes up for a visit.
Publications aside, though, people need to think about what they are doing before they cross the road. Considering a car can travel 900 metres in one minute at 54kmh (yep, another NZTA publication), I would think you would want to err on the side of caution.
After all, blood can be washed off a car, but it's a bit harder to wash a car off your body.
LEIGH MADDISON
Blenheim
No matter what opinions are taken, THIS law is still FACT !
Land Transport (Road User) Rule 200411.5 Entering crossings
A pedestrian or a rider of a mobility device or wheeled recreational device must not suddenly enter a pedestrian crossing when an approaching vehicle is so close to the pedestrian crossing that the driver of the vehicle is unable to give way to the pedestrian or the driver or rider of the device.
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Originally Posted by Mike.Gayner
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