Crosswalk Safety Working Group to be Formed

The province and Halifax Regional Municipality are forming a joint working group to improve crosswalk safety.

The group will act on recommendations coming from a crosswalk safety symposium hosted by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce held in January.

"We must take immediate steps to ensure that our crosswalks are safe, and that pedestrians and drivers treat them with respect," said Transportation and Public Works Minister Angus MacIsaac. "Our working group will bring forward the best approaches on this serious issue to the municipality and the province."

"Public safety is our top priority and crosswalks are a fundamental public-safety concern," said HRM Mayor Peter Kelly. "We look forward to working together with the province to make our municipality and province a safer place for our residents and visitors."

The crosswalk safety symposium report will make recommendations on driver and pedestrian education, engineering (including sign standards) and enforcement. The report is expected to be completed in May.