Zebra stripe crosswalks approved in Halifax

Halifax council has approved new markings for crosswalks without lights.

The city plans to paint zebra crossings at all crosswalks that do not have flashing lights or are not part of major intersections.

The bold, white painted lines have been popular in larger cities and the city's report argues it could make Halifax intersections safer for pedestrians.

The crosswalk changes will cost the city $155,000 and an additional $85,000 to maintain.

Painting zebra lines is just one part of a comprehensive plan to crack down on crosswalk accidents.

City council is also looking at police enforcement, pedestrian education, and the use of crosswalk flags and reflective tape at crossings.

4 pedestrians hit in 24 hours

The council meeting started after four pedestrians were struck by cars in the last 24 hours.

A 32-year-old man was hit at an intersection of Victoria Road and Thistle Street at about 6:46 p.m. Monday in Dartmouth. Police said the man wasn't seriously hurt.

The 49-year-old woman driving the car was given a ticket for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

At 7 a.m. Tuesday morning, RCMP were called to the intersection of Pinehill Drive and Skyridge Avenue in Lower Sackville, where a 25-year-old woman was struck by a vehicle as she was crossing the road.

About 30 minutes later, a 60-year-old man crossing Lady Hammond Road in Halifax was struck by an SUV at Robie Street. The drivers involved in each collision have been handed $700 fines for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

Earlier that morning a 41-year old man was hit on the sidewalk as a vehicle backed out of a driveway on Mayo Street. Police are looking for the driver.

Halifax Const. Pierre Bourdages said there have been 46 car-pedestrian crashes so far this year.

Council is set to discuss the idea of zebra crossing paint markings for crosswalks and other changes to try to reduce the number of collisions at a meeting on Tuesday.