New signs in pedestrian crossings

People may have surely noticed that the signs “Priority to pedestrians” with an orange visual indicator were installed under the usual white signs of pedestrian crossings on each side of the pavement in the L'Île-des-Sœurs area and everywhere in Verdun. A mallet was added to symbolise a violation in cases where the sign is not respected and the corresponding penalty as provided for in the regulations. The marking of the crossings on the pavement was also re-done for almost the entire sector using a type of paint that is exceptionally durable.

Verdun Borough allocated about $75,000 for this new sign system. Mayor Claude Trudel talked about this campaign confirming that pedestrian safety is a priority for Council members, and that it was important to improve the signs in pedestrian crossings so that pedestrians are more visible and are safer.

André Savard , Borough Councillor for the Desmarchais-Crawford district and president of the Public Works and Traffic Commission, said that “the new sign system for pedestrian crossings will attract the attention of road users.” Drivers must change their driving behaviour as they approach these crossings, and we will be taking the necessary measures to make them more aware”, he added.

L'Île-des-Sœurs drivers were reputed to be a bit disrespectful of pedestrian signs but recent observations indicate that they have improved considerably. Drivers are getting more and more accustomed to stopping their vehicles to let pedestrians cross when they reach the area leading to the crossings. The new signs and the awareness campaign should contribute to the effort in making the signs marking these numerous intersections in L'Île-des-Sœurs more visible.