Pedestrians and vehicles causing problems on London Lane

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: LUKE EDWARDS
The combination of students not properly utilizing the crosswalk and reckless drivers could lead to accidents.

Due to an increase in complaints from both pedestrians and motorists, Fanshawe Security has placed a security guard near the main entrance of the school during busy bus times in order to enforce the adherence of traffic rules.

Special const. Luke Edwards from Fanshawe security said it’s like the “Wild West” out there, but that there are some simple solutions to the problem.

“We ask that you use the crosswalk, it’s clearly marked with yellow lines… we’re just asking pedestrians to take the 20 extra steps and use the crosswalk and you can be almost guaranteed you’re going to be able to cross the roadway safely,” Edwards said.

Interrobang reported when security barriers by the bus stop were added in September. They were put in place to encourage students to use the crosswalk and to prevent them from haphazardly crossing the street into unsuspecting oncoming traffic.

Edwards said it’s not only pedestrians who are causing problems at the crosswalk. He said drivers are just as responsible, and often drive recklessly.

“We’re asking motorists and pedestrians to exercise common sense when crossing the roadway,” Edwards said.

In early September a female student was hit by a car in a hit-andrun incident. Thankfully she did not suffer serious injuries, but Edwards said if students don’t start changing their behaviour soon, it is only a matter of time before someone gets hurt.

“It was a very close call, and we’re very fortunate there was no loss of life. However, it does emphasize the seriousness of what could happen,” Edwards said.

According to the London Police Service, in 2015 there were over 10,000 collisions reported in London and that almost all the collisions could have been prevented.

Edwards said the new residence building across the street from Fanshawe, Residence on First, has led to an increase in pedestrian traffic on Oxford Street. He said that Fanshawe does not have the funds available at the moment to design a new crosswalk, so for now it is on the hands of Fanshawe Security to keep students safe. Residence on First is not associated with Fanshawe.

If pedestrians and drivers do not adhere to the traffic rules, Edwards said Fanshawe Security may be forced to start issuing tickets under the Trespass to Property Act. A ticket for such violation costs $65 and would be classified as a provincial offense.

Edwards has some advice for students. He said to be aware of your surroundings, to put down your phone for the 20 seconds it takes to safely cross the street and asks motorists to slow down and not stop abruptly on the roadway.

“We don’t want to see anyone seriously injured, we don’t want to see loss of life. The wellbeing of our students is our number one priority.”
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