Ask Phoebe: Yes, jaywalking is illegal, but enforcing the law on it is difficult

Pedestrians must use a pedestrian crossing according to The Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004. Photo / Sarah Ivey

As a driver one of the biggest problems I face is pedestrians who jaywalk, especially in the city.

This hazard has reached epidemic proportions, with people wandering out into the road at any time as if they have the right of way.

What is the law covering pedestrians? Is it time that the police did a campaign and/or enforcement?
Geoff Russell, Glendene.

The Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 states, in clause 11.4 (1) that "A pedestrian or rider of a mobility device or wheeled recreational device who crosses a roadway elsewhere than on a pedestrian crossing or at a school crossing point must, whenever possible, cross at right angles to the kerb or side of the road."

The words "must" and "right angles" clearly indicate that jaywalking is not a legal option when crossing the road, and transgressors would be subject to a fine.

The exception is at intersections controlled by traffic lights, where pedestrians may cross other than at right angles if it is permitted.

A campaign is probably overdue but there are obstacles, in my view. Where, exactly, would you place the policemen? How many would you need, to cover every eventuality? But even fining the odd one might act as a deterrent.

Our question is about supermarket fuel discounts. Who carries the cost of them - the supermarket chain, the oil company, or a combination of these?
Diane and Graeme Smith, Warkworth.

The cost of discounted fuel is carried by the fuel company. But it's a win-win for the supermarket chain and the fuel company. The supermarkets get more business by offering petrol vouchers and the fuel company gets more customers by offering cheaper fuel.

I want to know if the camera-looking device hanging from a white pole on the right hand side under the motorway on Gillies Ave is really a camera? I do hope so! There are still many cars doing illegal left-hand turns in heavy traffic and it irks me that they get away with it every time.
Lisa Walker, Auckland.

It's a tricky one, this, because the two organisations I asked, the NZ Transport Agency and Auckland Transport, each appears to believe it belongs to the other party.

But it may be a camera recording traffic flows on to the motorway there. Or it may be a camera recording traffic flows on Gillies Ave. Who knows? If someone does, could they please let me know?

In similar vein, Judy Liptrot would like some clarification on the green sign at the Tiverton Rd/Wolverton St traffic island. The sign says "Motorway" but does not say which one. As you can get to the Southwestern and the Northwestern Motorways from here, a clarification would be handy, but again, neither the Transport Agency nor Auckland Transport claims ownership. Whose is it then?