Jaywalking

mikemac

We’ve all seen it on American TV. And let’s face it, everyone has crossed the road when the “red man” was on

Is it on the statue books here? I don’t think I’ve seen a reference to it but surely there must be some equivalent under Irish legislation.
I think I’ve heard it can be used if you cross within 10 metres of a pedestrian crossing but don’t use the actual crossing. Not sure where I heard it.

And to give an example, what if you were cycling or on a moped/motorbike and passing out all stationary cars to get to the red light and the top of the queue? Suppose a pedestrian doesn’t use the pedestrian crossing and instead steps out between cars and gets knocked down by the bicycle or moped. Will the pedestrian be held at fault? They should be imo assuming the cyclist/motorbikers was safetly filtering.

This isn't a request for legal advice though I do admit I almost hit a pedestrian this morning and it got me wondering about this, thanks

Edit: This is also relevant also to the people who walk in heavy traffic to sell newspapers (Evening Herald in Dublin) and also charities that use buckets in queues of traffic.
It’s pretty dangerous since motorbikes and cyclists will be filtering traffic

Victor

micmclo wrote: »

I think I’ve heard it can be used if you cross within 10 metres of a pedestrian crossing but don’t use the actual crossing. Not sure where I heard it.

I think its 15 metres.

I'm not sure what the offence of not obeying the red man is.

There are of course catch-alls of making a nuisance of yourself, but these are least strict for pedestrians.

TJM

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1997/en/si/0182.html#zzsi182y1997a46

johnnyskeleton

Jaywalking was repealed by the Lazy Garda (Have Better Things To Be Doing) Act, 1921.

Victor

Doh!

"(2) A pedestrian facing a traffic light lamp which shows a red light shall not proceed beyond that light."

Its not jaywalking until you pass the red light, which is usually on the other side of the road. :rolleyes:

Our man in Havana

johnnyskeleton wrote: »

Jaywalking was repealed by the Lazy Garda (Have Better Things To Be Doing) Act, 1921.

That must have been the very first piece of Irish law passed once the British left.

Sully

I was really hoping to here a story about being done for jaywalking!

meowCat

Does anyone know what kind of punishment you are expected to get?

@Sully: Don't think you'll hear many stories of "being done for it". Never seen any garda caring about it.

Tom Young

People who jaywalk should be flogged - with a cat o'nine tails, while tied to the Molly Malone and doused in vinegar once done. In saying that I can suggest a far worse punishment for cycle couriers - and indeed cyclists who seem completely oblivious to traffic lights, pedestrian crossings and the like!

I don't feel passionate about this at all ....I swear.

Tabnabs

Didn't a minister for justice or other brave and honest politician try to bring this in a few years ago and was laughed out it for getting the gards to chase after people jaywalking when Ireland already has a huge serious crime problem?

axer

Dyflin wrote: »

Didn't a minister for justice or other brave and honest politician try to bring this in a few years ago and was laughed out it for getting the gards to chase after people jaywalking when Ireland already has a huge serious crime problem?

Yes, I believe they were stopping people in Dublin but most just laughed at them. Its funny that in other countries like Germany and Slovenia they will wait for the green light no matter what. Was with a Slovenian friend of mine in Slovenia a few years back and we were walking down some back streets. There was not a car in sight. When we got to the edge of the path I kept walking across the road whereas he stopped and waited for the green light which I found hilarious. Of course if a cop catches you in some countries they will fine you - and the people know that too so they obey the law.

Sully

Its very frustrating, at least in Waterford, when your trying to drive through the junction where the clubs are and all we have is drunks strolling across the road, holding onto each other, hugging each other, having conversations in the middle of the road and even sitting down having a fag. The Guards, who are always at the junction, just ignore the issue even with car horns going full whack.

Iv seen in Dublin a lot of people seem to stick with it, as Taxi drivers will blow them of the road if they dont.

Victor

meowCat wrote: »

Does anyone know what kind of punishment you are expected to get?

@Sully: Don't think you'll hear many stories of "being done for it". Never seen any garda caring about it.

I haven't been able to find anythign, but this is the most recent revisions to fines.

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2006/en/act/pub/0023/sec0018.html#id1151527007.2

UrbanFox

axer wrote: »

Yes, I believe they were stopping people in Dublin but most just laughed at them. Its funny that in other countries like Germany and Slovenia they will wait for the green light no matter what. Was with a Slovenian friend of mine in Slovenia a few years back and we were walking down some back streets. There was not a car in sight. When we got to the edge of the path I kept walking across the road whereas he stopped and waited for the green light which I found hilarious. Of course if a cop catches you in some countries they will fine you - and the people know that too so they obey the law.

This is precisely why I never stop and stand at pedestrian traffic signals in Dublin as the local skangers will think that you are a tourist and you never want to give that impression in O'Connell Street