Money for crosswalk infrastructure debated during budget discussions

2014 has been no better than 2013 when it comes to people crossing the road getting struck by cars.

On the same day couple more people were hit, there were discussions at City Hall during budget debates about how much money should be set aside for crosswalk infrastructure.

Crosswalk safety advocate Norm Collins told the committee what he thought a reasonable amount would be.

“I’m going to suggest that $400,000 be put in the budget which is one dollar per resident of HRM,” he said. “At least it’s something that’s dedicated to get there, to get something moving.”

Collins said that money can address things like improved markings, reflective tape and pedestrian stop signs.

Councillor Tim Outhit suggested $100,000 be set aside in the budget.

“It can go towards some of the implementation of the Crosswalk Committee recommendations,” he said. “It could be zebra stripes, it could be reflective tape, it could be better signs. Let’s reserve up to $100,000; maybe it will only be a quarter of that.”

Council will have to wait for the upcoming recommendations to come forward from the Crosswalk Safety Committee before the money can be added to the budget, but that report is expected to be ready before the budget is approved.

Collins did say he’s a little concerned the ‘Distraction Kills’ campaign is going forward, without council waiting to see what the report suggests.

He explained his own survey shows 67% of people are more concerned with visibility and only 17% ranked education as the top priority.

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