Nova Scotia Cracks Down on Jaywalkers—Advocates React As Expected

"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.